Google is testing a Chrome experience that opens AI Mode beside the webpage, often on the right, but the company has not confirmed a universal right-side default. Chrome’s official help documents AI Mode as a side-by-side or full-tab view, while a separate Canary experiment that sent address-bar searches straight to AI Mode was described by Google’s search leadership as an error that was not planned as a default change.
What Chrome’s AI Mode panel does
In the documented workflow, AI Mode can run in a Chrome side panel while you view a regular webpage. If you select a result from a full-page search, Chrome opens that link in the panel and adds the tab to the context for the ongoing AI Mode conversation. You can inspect the source page and ask follow-up questions without repeatedly switching tabs.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Google announced the desktop behavior on April 16, 2026, describing the benefit as comparing details and continuing questions beside the page. A Chrome Community announcement on May 11 said the side-by-side feature rolled out with the latest Chrome release.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Is Google making AI Mode the default in Chrome?
No confirmed default change has been announced. A June 5, 2026 report about Chrome Canary described a flag that routed address-bar searches directly into AI Mode instead of ordinary Google Search. Rajan Patel, Google’s vice president of engineering for Search, responded that the behavior was an error and said Google was not planning to make AI Mode the default for Chrome searches.
#1 Best Overall
- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
That distinction matters: a Canary flag is an experiment for an unfinished browser build, not a commitment to change stable Chrome. Unless Google publishes a new stable-release announcement, ordinary address-bar searches should not be treated as permanently moving to AI Mode.
Why the panel may appear on the right
Chrome’s side-by-side design needs a fixed location for the conversation while the selected webpage occupies the rest of the window. Current reports commonly show AI Mode opening on the right, which explains searches such as “why is AI Mode opening beside the page?” However, the official documentation confirms the side-by-side workflow, not a universal rule that every account, device, or Chrome installation will always use the right side.
Rank #2
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
A separate May 29, 2026 third-party report said Chrome Canary was testing alignment controls for Google Search AI Mode, Gemini, and other side panels. It reported that panels could be assigned to different sides. That sighting does not establish that the controls are in stable Chrome or that Google has selected the right side as a permanent global default.
How to get the AI Mode side panel
Availability is being expanded gradually, so the panel may not be visible even when Chrome is fully updated. Google’s documented initial conditions were:
Rank #3
- Intel Processor Up to 2.80GHz, 4GB DDR4, 128GB Storage
- 15" FHD IPS Display, Intel UHD Graphics
- 1x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, HDMI
- Fast WiFi and Bluetooth, Integrated Webcam
- Chrome OS, AC Charger Included, Pastel Silver
- Chrome running in the United States.
- Chrome’s language set to English (United States).
- A signed-in Google account.
- Incognito mode turned off.
Google also says AI Mode in Chrome is not available to every person or device and is expanding outside the United States and English-language settings over time.
- Open Chrome and sign in to your Google account.
- Use Google Search and look for the AI Mode option or open AI Mode where it is offered.
- Choose a result from the full-page search. If your account has the side-by-side experience, Chrome opens the page beside the AI conversation.
- Ask a follow-up question while the page remains in view. The selected tab is added to the conversation context.
If no AI Mode control appears, check the account, region, language, and Incognito conditions first. A missing panel can simply mean that the rollout has not reached your account or device; it is not proof that a setting is broken.
Rank #4
- THE BETTER WAY TO LAPTOP – Imagine a Chromebook that’s as flexible as your day: thin and lightweight with built-in Google apps and stress-free security.
- TAKE HITS KEEP MOVING – Sleek, light, and built to last- the Chromebook 2-in-1 is just 0.69” thick and 3.3lbs. Enjoy long-lasting battery life, fast charging, and military-grade durability for nonstop productivity wherever life takes you.
- PERFORMANCE THAT MATCHES YOUR HUSTLE – Fuel your ideas with an Intel Core processor and 128GB storage. Boot up in under 10 seconds to start the day powerfully efficient.
- FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Create, work, or unwind your way with a versatile 2-in-1 design. Flip easily between laptop, tent, and tablet modes with a responsive touchscreen built for flexibility.
- BRILLIANT VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO – See, hear, and create with awesome clarity. The WUXGA display brings rich detail to your work and play, while audio tuned by Waves MaxxAudio provides immersive, balanced sound.
Chrome AI Mode versus ordinary Search
| Aspect | Ordinary Google Search | AI Mode side-by-side |
|---|---|---|
| Entry point | Search results open as the normal page. | AI Mode can open as a side panel or full-tab view when available. |
| Page context | You generally move between result pages and the results tab. | A selected result opens beside the conversation and is added to follow-up context. |
| Follow-up questions | Usually require a new search or an additional query. | Questions can continue beside the page using the preserved conversation context. |
| Availability | Standard Search is broadly available. | Availability depends on rollout, account, region, language, device, and browsing mode. |
| Panel placement | No AI conversation panel is required. | Right-side opening is reported, while broader placement controls remain experimental. |
What Google’s scale and model changes mean
In a May 19, 2026 I/O update, Google said Gemini 3.5 Flash was becoming the default model in AI Mode globally. The company also reported that AI Mode had surpassed one billion monthly users one year after launch. Those figures describe the scale of the service, not a change to Chrome’s address-bar default.
Recommended Free Tools
The same update said some custom Search experiences would initially be available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the United States. Those plans may therefore affect access to particular advanced Search experiences, but no referral or promotional availability is established here.
Best Value
- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Reliably tackle all your assignments at once with the quad-core, Intel Celeron N4120—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (2).
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3) (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy a boost to your system’s performance with 4 GB of RAM while saving more of your favorite memories with 64 GB of reliable flash-based eMMC storage (5).
What to expect next
The stable, reader-relevant feature today is side-by-side AI Mode for eligible Chrome users. The direct-to-AI address-bar behavior remains an experiment that Google has disavowed as a planned default, and reported alignment controls remain unconfirmed outside Canary. In practice, users should expect ordinary Search to remain the normal Chrome entry point while Google continues expanding optional AI Mode access.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
