Building on January's Gemini AI tools like the multitasking sidebar, Google has begun rolling out enhancements to AI Mode in Chrome, adding side-by-side browsing and tab integration to streamline research. Now available to US desktop and mobile users with global expansion planned, these features reduce tab switching during AI-assisted tasks.
Google started deploying these AI Mode enhancements in Chrome on April 16 for US users. The key addition is a side-by-side interface that activates when clicking links in AI Mode searches, enabling simultaneous webpage viewing and follow-up AI queries while maintaining context—no extra tabs needed. Mike Torres, Chrome's vice president of product, demonstrated comparing coffee makers and instantly asking about cleaning ease. Robby Stein, vice president of product for Google Search, showcased it with McLaren Formula One pit crew training, referencing Lando Norris's 1.80-second record pit stop at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. Users can now drag existing tabs, images, or PDFs into AI Mode using a redesigned plus menu on the new tab page or within the tool—ideal for tasks like studying with lecture notes. Torres emphasized practical AI for browsing, with testing showing reduced tab switching and improved focus. Rollout to more regions is coming soon. Access to Canvas for projects and image creation is also simplified via the plus menu.
