Google launches side-by-side web browsing with AI Mode
Original: Google now lets you explore the web side-by-side with AI Mode
Why This Matters
Represents Google's push to integrate AI more deeply into web browsing workflows.
Google announced Thursday it's rolling out side-by-side browsing for AI Mode on Chrome desktop, allowing users to open web pages alongside conversational search. The feature also lets users search across multiple Chrome tabs simultaneously.
Google's new AI Mode feature on Chrome desktop now opens clicked links side-by-side with the conversational search interface, enabling users to explore websites while maintaining search context. Users can ask follow-up questions about specific pages, such as product details when shopping for items like coffee makers. Google also introduced cross-tab searching, where users can select multiple open tabs, images, or files to include in AI Mode searches through a new plus menu in the search box. Examples include researching hiking trails across multiple tabs or studying with various educational materials. Early testers reported they appreciated not having to constantly switch tabs while exploring content. The updates are currently available in the U.S., with plans for international expansion.