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GOOGLE AI MODE OPENS LINKS SIDE-BY-SIDE

AI DESK1 MIN READ
THU, APR 16, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 2 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

Google is updating AI Mode in Chrome to display web links alongside the chatbot interface, eliminating the need to open new tabs when exploring sources.

The feature allows users to click source links within AI Mode conversations and view the webpage in a split-screen layout on Chrome desktop. Users can now read linked content while maintaining their chat history and ask follow-up questions about the displayed page without switching tabs. AI Mode, Google's conversational search tool launched last year, sits in a left-side panel within Google Search. The update addresses a common friction point in research workflows—constant tab switching between search results and source material. The side-by-side viewing keeps AI Mode permanently accessible throughout browsing sessions, streamlining the research process. Google has steadily added capabilities to AI Mode since its debut, positioning it as a core component of its search experience and competing directly with standalone AI chatbot platforms. The feature rolls out on Chrome desktop first, with availability expanding gradually to users.

■ SOURCES

TechCrunchThe Decoder

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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