Google Launches AI Mode and Tab Search Features on Chrome Desktop and Mobile
On April 16, 2026, Google introduced AI Mode, a new conversational search experience on Chrome desktop in the U.S., allowing side-by-side webpage and AI interaction. The update also includes a new search function across Chrome tabs available on desktop and mobile devices.
Photo: Ante Hamersmit / UnsplashGoogle announced a new way to explore the web with AI Mode on April 16, 2026. , enables users on Chrome desktop to open a webpage side-by-side with AI Mode after clicking a link, enhancing the browsing and search experience. In addition to AI Mode, Google introduced a new search feature that allows users to search across Chrome tabs either on the New Tab page or within AI Mode itself.
This feature is accessible on both Chrome desktop and mobile platforms. Users can tap the 'plus' menu in the search box on the New Tab page or in AI Mode to select from recent tabs. AI Mode is described as Google's conversational search experience, aiming to integrate AI assistance directly into web browsing.
U.S. in the future. The announcement was reported by TechCrunch on April 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM PDT. The article was written by Aisha Malik, a journalist with TechCrunch since 2021, holding degrees from the University of Toronto and Western University.
Separately, TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is scheduled for October 13-15, 2026, in San Francisco, CA.
Story Timeline
3 events- 2026-04-16 10:00 AM PDT
TechCrunch published the article announcing Google's AI Mode and new tab search features.
1 sourceTechCrunch - 2026-04-16
Google announced AI Mode with side-by-side webpage viewing on Chrome desktop in the U.S.
1 sourceGoogle - 2026-04-16
Google introduced new search across Chrome tabs on desktop and mobile.
1 sourceGoogle
Potential Impact
- 01
Cross-tab search functionality may improve productivity for users managing multiple tabs.
- 02
Enhanced browsing experience with integrated AI could increase user engagement on Chrome.
- 03
Expansion of AI Mode to other regions could broaden Google's AI search adoption globally.
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