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Google Chrome Updates AI Mode to Open Links in Same Tab with Sidebar Interface

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Google Chrome's AI Search Gets a Major Interface Overhaul

Google has released a significant update to its Chrome browser's AI Mode search tool for users in the United States. The changes fundamentally alter how users interact with hyperlinks and the AI interface on the desktop version of Chrome, aiming to create a more seamless and integrated experience.

The update shifts the AI tool's behavior from opening links in new tabs to displaying them in the same tab alongside a persistent AI sidebar.

A New Way to Navigate: The Core Change

The primary change involves the behavior of hyperlinks clicked within AI Mode outputs.

  • Previous Functionality: Before the update, clicking a link in an AI response would open the content in a new browser tab. The original tab with the AI interface remained separate, forcing users to switch back and forth to continue their conversation.
  • New Functionality: Now, clicking a hyperlink opens the linked website or video directly in the same browser tab. The AI Mode interface transforms into a sidebar that stays fixed on the left side of the screen. This allows users to view the linked content while keeping the AI chatbot readily available for follow-up questions.

How It Works: An Example

Google illustrated the new workflow with an example:

  1. A user searches for a "compact Ninja coffee maker" using AI Mode.
  2. The tool suggests several single-serve models.
  3. Clicking a product link opens the Ninja manufacturer's website in the same tab, with AI Mode now appearing as a sidebar.
  4. The user can then ask the sidebar, "How do I clean this model?"
  5. If the AI suggests a relevant YouTube video, clicking that link will also open the video within the same tab, with the AI sidebar remaining accessible.

Beyond Navigation: New AI Capabilities

The update also introduces features designed to reduce the need for switching between browser tabs.

  • Multi-Tab Analysis: Users can now select multiple already-open browser tabs for the AI to analyze when answering a query. This function is accessible via a plus menu within the AI Mode interface or a new plus option in the Google Search box.
  • File and Image Attachments: The tool now supports attaching files and images as part of a query to the AI.

Availability and Context

The update is currently available for the desktop version of Google Chrome in the United States.

In reporting on similar AI search tools used for product recommendations, the publication WIRED found that AI-generated summaries were not as accurate or reliable as information obtained by reading the original source websites directly.