Google Allows Users to Switch Directly from AI Overview to AI Chat Mode

Google has introduced a new feature allowing users to ask follow-up questions directly from AI Overviews. AI Overviews are AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of Google search results. Users can now transition into an AI conversation mode, which is Google's conversational search functionality designed for complex queries.

The tech giant also announced it will make Gemini 3 the new default model for AI Overviews globally. The company stated in a blog post that this update will provide users with "the best AI responses on the search results page."

The announcement on Tuesday signals Google's ongoing effort to transform search from a static results experience into a more interactive, AI-driven one.

"People come to search engines for all kinds of things—sometimes for quick information like a sports score or the weather, where a simple result is enough," said Robby Stein, VP of Product for Google Search, in the blog post. "But for complex questions or tasks that need deeper exploration, you should be able to seamlessly step into a powerful conversational AI experience."

Google stated that its testing showed users prefer an experience that flows naturally into conversation. The ability to ask follow-up questions while retaining the context of the AI Overview makes search more useful.

The new experience is designed to feel like a single, cohesive flow, offering links that let users move from a quick overview to a deeper conversation as needed, the company explained.

These updates follow Google's announcement just days earlier that it is bringing "personal intelligence" to its AI mode, enabling it to access your Gmail and Google Photos to provide more personalized responses. The company first introduced personal intelligence in the Gemini app earlier this month, allowing the AI assistant to tailor its responses by connecting to your Google ecosystem, starting with Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube history.

Google also recently introduced AI Overviews to Gmail, enabling users to search their inbox using natural language to get quick answers, without having to rely on traditional keyword searches and open multiple emails to find specific information. The company announced this alongside the launch of its new AI-powered inbox.