Google experiments with combining AI Overviews and AI Mode

Google Experiments with Integrated AI Search Experience

Amid heightened competition from OpenAI, Google has begun piloting a new feature that blends its AI Overviews with the conversational AI Mode in Search. This update allows users who see an AI-generated summary at the top of their search results to dive deeper by engaging in a chat-like interface for follow-up questions.

The conversational tool, known as AI Mode, was initially introduced to users in the United States in May and expanded globally in August. It enables interactive, back-and-forth conversations with Google’s Gemini AI, offering an experience reminiscent of ChatGPT.

Previously, users needed to anticipate whether their query would benefit from a conversational approach. For straightforward searches, the traditional search box sufficed. However, those seeking more detailed exploration had to manually switch to the AI Mode tab to initiate a conversation with the AI.

Google is now exploring whether it’s necessary to keep these two experiences separate. Often, a simple search can spark curiosity, leading users to seek more in-depth information than they initially intended.

Today we’re starting to test a new way to seamlessly go deeper in AI Mode directly from the Search results page on mobile, globally. This brings us closer to our vision for Search: just ask whatever’s on your mind – no matter how long or complex – and find exactly what you…

With this latest trial, announced on Monday, Google states that users will be able to continue their search journey in AI Mode directly from the Search results page, without interruption. For now, this feature is being rolled out worldwide but is limited to mobile devices.

This development comes as OpenAI, Google’s main AI competitor, shifts its focus to enhancing its chatbox product, postponing other launches. Google’s Gemini platform, bolstered by the release of the Nano Banana image model and other upgrades, has reached over 650 million monthly users as of November. By combining conversational AI Mode with AI Overviews—which already serves 2 billion users each month—Google aims to strengthen Gemini’s appeal and boost user engagement.

Robby Stein, Vice President of Product for Google Search, emphasized in a recent X post that users shouldn’t have to worry about where or how to phrase their questions. Instead, they’ll receive an AI Overview as a starting point and can seamlessly continue the conversation in AI Mode from the same page.

“This brings us closer to our vision for Search: just ask whatever’s on your mind – no matter how long or complex – and find exactly what you need,” Stein explained.