Google is testing a feature combining its AI Overviews with AI Mode in Search, allowing users to ask follow-up questions directly from AI-generated search snapshots.
AI Mode, a conversational interface similar to ChatGPT using Google’s Gemini AI, launched for U.S. users in May and globally in August. Previously, users had to proactively select AI Mode for detailed inquiries, necessitating a distinct choice between traditional search and conversational AI for more complex topics.
The new test aims to integrate these experiences.
(1/2) 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… pic.twitter.com/mcCS7oT2FI
— Robby Stein (@rmstein) December 1, 2025
This development occurs as OpenAI prioritizes its chatbox experience. Google’s Gemini platform, benefiting from Gemini’s Nano Banana image model and other improvements, reported over 650 million monthly users as of November. AI Overviews currently serve 2 billion monthly users. Merging the conversational mode with AI Overviews could enhance Gemini’s consumer adoption.
Stein explained that users will receive an AI Overview as an initial output and can then pose conversational follow-up questions within AI Mode from the same screen. He remarked, “You shouldn’t have to think about where or how to ask your question.” He added, “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.”
