Google Chrome: AI Revolutionizes Web Browsing

Google strengthens the integration of its AI mode in the Chrome browser, thereby changing the way users interact with search results. Now, when a link is clicked in the search box, the target page opens in a sidebar, allowing the conversation with the AI to continue uninterrupted.

A new menu also allows users to share open tabs, images, and PDF files with the AI mode. It uses these elements as context to produce summarized responses and suggest other relevant pages. This feature aims to keep users in the same window, transforming the traditional web page visit.

For website operators, this innovation could mean a decrease in the number of users who scroll or click on original sources. Google is thus continuing its transition from a traditional search engine to an interactive chatbot.

According to a blog post from Google, this new feature will first be available on Chrome desktop. Users will be able to see the web page alongside their search input, without leaving the dialogue box. Although Chrome technically loads the page, the real interaction takes place in the adjacent chat, where the AI relies on the open page and other sources to provide a response.

Google illustrated this feature with two examples: a coffee machine buyer can view the product page while asking questions about the maintenance of the device, and a Formula 1 fan can explore the details of the McLaren pit stop team while querying the AI.

Early users appreciated not having to switch tabs to get help with long articles or videos. However, for publishers, this means their pages become mere supports for generated answers, thus reducing the chances that users will click deeper or see advertisements.

Another aspect of this update is the ability to group multiple tabs, images, and files to hand back to the AI mode. This allows for planning activities like hikes or preparing for exams using already opened resources. The AI uses these materials to create a tailored response and recommends additional pages.

Although several studies have shown that AI-generated responses reduce traffic to external sites, Liz Reid, head of research at Google, challenged these findings without providing counter-evidence. Regardless, this integration of websites into the AI mode represents another step toward assimilating the open web into Google's AI ecosystem.

These features will first be launched in the United States, with an expansion planned for other countries, although Google has not specified a timeline.