Chrome Could Soon Get Google's AI Mode: First Look

Google is testing the addition of “AI Mode” in Search within the Chrome browser Canary. The company is integrating an AI Mode button into the New Tab Page search box ( called “Realbox”). We’ve managed to enable AI Mode in Chrome—here’s our first look at how it works.

What Is Google’s AI Mode?

Google’s AI Mode in Google Search allows users to ask questions and receive AI-generated responses, with options for deeper exploration through follow-up queries and web links. The AI breaks down queries into subtopics, conducts simultaneous searches, and delivers responses based on high-quality web content. If the AI has low confidence in its answer, it provides web links instead.

AI Mode is available in English for users aged 18 and above in the U.S. with personal Google Accounts (excluding Google Workspace accounts).

Users can access AI Mode via google.com/aimode, the Google Search bar, or the Google app. Additionally, users can opt into the “AI Mode” experiment in Search Labs for access to expanded AI features.

AI Mode in Chrome

Google is now integrating AI Mode into Chrome, where it could appear in the New Tab Page search box, known as the “Realbox.” Clicking the AI Mode button opens a compose box, allowing users to ask questions and receive responses—including complex inquiries.

Search results for queries entered via the AI Mode button in the New Tab Page search box could be displayed under the AI Mode tab in Search.

Google has already integrated Gemini into the Chrome address bar and made it available as a Personal Assistant from the tab bar, similar to Copilot in the Edge Sidebar. AI Mode is yet another addition to Chrome. Meanwhile, Microsoft is experimenting with Copilot Mode in Edge, which features built-in Search, a New Tab Page, and an AI-powered feed.

We’ve also seen Microsoft testing Circle to Search in Edge—a Google feature currently available on premium mobile devices. With AI Mode integrated into Google Search, Microsoft is advancing Copilot Mode. While AI Mode in Chrome is still in testing, Microsoft has recently rolled out Copilot Mode.