Google Tests AI Mode in Chrome Search Bar for Desktop and Android

Google is rolling out an experimental feature that integrates its advanced AI Mode directly into the Chrome search bar, enhancing the browsing experience for both desktop and Android users. This development, spotted in recent tests, aims to make AI-powered searches more seamless and accessible, aligning with Google's ongoing efforts to embed generative AI capabilities into its ecosystem. Here’s a closer look at what this test entails, its implications, and how it fits into the broader landscape of AI-driven search.

What is AI Mode?

AI Mode is Google’s most advanced AI search experience, designed to provide comprehensive, AI-powered responses to user queries. Unlike traditional search results, AI Mode leverages Google’s Gemini 2.5 model to deliver answers with enhanced reasoning, multimodal capabilities, and the ability to handle complex, multi-part questions. It breaks down queries into subtopics, simultaneously searching for relevant content across the web to provide more accurate and contextually rich responses. Users can also ask follow-up questions, making it ideal for tasks like exploring new concepts or comparing options.

The Chrome Search Bar Test

Google is testing a new shortcut for AI Mode directly within the Chrome address bar (also known as the omnibox) on both desktop and Android devices. This feature was first reported by sources like Search Engine Roundtable and Windows Report, with tests observed in the Chrome Canary beta version for Android and desktop environments.

Desktop Implementation

On desktop, users can trigger AI Mode by typing “@aimode” in the Chrome address bar, followed by their query. This opens a dropdown menu, allowing users to select the AI Mode function by pressing the Tab or Spacebar. Once activated, the query is processed by a custom version of Gemini 2.5, and users are redirected to Google’s AI Mode interface for a conversational response, rather than traditional search results. This approach mirrors existing Chrome shortcuts like “@history” or “@bookmarks,” which allow users to search specific categories directly from the address bar.

Android Implementation

For Android, the test introduces a colorful AI Mode icon—a magnifying glass badged with a Gemini sparkle—within the Chrome address bar. Tapping this icon takes users directly to the AI Mode view, bypassing the standard Google Search interface. This was spotted by X tipster Leopeva64 and reported in the Chrome Canary environment, indicating Google’s intent to make AI Mode a prominent feature for mobile users.

Why This Matters

The integration of AI Mode into the Chrome search bar signals Google’s commitment to making AI a core component of its browser and search ecosystem. By placing AI Mode front and center, Google aims to streamline access to its generative AI capabilities, reducing the steps needed to engage with advanced search features. This move aligns with recent updates to the Google app, where AI Mode shortcuts have already been added to the search bar, replacing icons like Google Lens and voice search.

The test also reflects Google’s broader strategy to compete with other AI-driven search platforms, such as ChatGPT Search, Perplexity, and Microsoft’s Copilot Search. By embedding AI Mode directly into Chrome, Google ensures users can access conversational AI without leaving their browser, potentially increasing engagement and retention.

Features and Capabilities

AI Mode in Chrome offers several advantages over traditional search:

• Advanced Reasoning: AI Mode can handle nuanced queries that require reasoning or comparisons, such as “What’s the best laptop for students?” or “How does a hybrid car work?” It provides detailed, synthesized answers rather than a list of links.
• Multimodal Search: Users can upload images or use Google Lens within AI Mode to ask questions about visuals, such as identifying objects or providing care instructions for a plant.
• Follow-Up Questions: The conversational nature of AI Mode allows users to refine their queries or dive deeper into a topic without starting a new search.
• High-Quality Web Integration: Responses are backed by Google’s deep understanding of web content, ensuring factuality and relevance. If the AI lacks confidence in its response, it defaults to providing web links.

Current Status and Availability

The AI Mode shortcut is currently in the testing phase, primarily within Chrome Canary, Google’s experimental browser version. It has been spotted in regions like the U.S. and India, where AI Mode is already available. To access it, users must be signed into their Google Account, have Search History enabled, and, in some cases, opt into the “AI Overviews and more” experiment via Google Search Labs.

Google announced at I/O 2025 that AI Mode is rolling out to all U.S. users, no longer requiring a Labs sign-up. This broader rollout began in June 2025, with a new AI Mode tab appearing in the Google Search bar and app. The Chrome search bar integration is an extension of this rollout, aimed at making AI Mode even more accessible.

Challenges and Feedback

As an experimental feature, AI Mode is not without its challenges. Google acknowledges that it may occasionally misinterpret web content or miss context, leading to inaccurate responses. To address this, Google encourages users to provide feedback via thumbs-up/thumbs-down icons at the bottom of AI Mode responses. This feedback loop is critical for refining the feature as it moves toward a stable release.

Additionally, some users have expressed concerns about AI-driven search altering the traditional web experience. For instance, posts on X and articles like one from Tom’s Hardware highlight frustrations with AI Overviews and AI Mode, citing inconsistencies in answers or the prioritization of AI-generated content over organic results. However, these sentiments are not universal, and many users appreciate the speed and depth of AI Mode’s responses.

Looking Ahead

Google’s testing of AI Mode in the Chrome search bar is a step toward a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into everyday browsing. The company is also exploring additional features, such as enhanced shopping capabilities and deeper integration with Google Lens, which were highlighted at I/O 2025. As testing progresses, we can expect AI Mode to become a standard feature across Chrome and the Google app, potentially reshaping how users interact with the web.

For now, users interested in trying AI Mode can update to the latest Chrome Canary version or check their Google app for the AI Mode shortcut. Ensuring the latest software updates and opting into Search Labs will provide the best chance of accessing this feature during its testing phase.

Conclusion

Google’s test of AI Mode in the Chrome search bar for desktop and Android marks a significant evolution in how users access AI-powered search. By embedding this feature directly into the browser’s address bar, Google is making it easier than ever to tap into the advanced reasoning and multimodal capabilities of Gemini 2.5. While still in its experimental phase, this development underscores Google’s vision for an AI-driven future of search, promising faster, more intuitive ways to explore the web. As testing expands and feedback shapes its refinement, AI Mode could redefine the browsing experience for millions of users worldwide.