Google Transforms Its Search with Conversational AI and Fewer Links

Published on January 27, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Screenshot of Google's search interface showing an AI-generated summary and the option to switch to Conversational AI Mode.

Google Transforms Its Search with Conversational AI and Fewer Links

Google is changing the foundation of its search engine, reducing reliance on web links and enhancing the role of artificial intelligence. The company integrates its advanced model Gemini 3 into the so-called AI Overviews, allowing users to interact in a more natural and fluid way. This shift brings the experience closer to chatting with a chatbot rather than using a classic search engine. 🚀

From Quick Summary to Deep Conversation

When the initial summary, called Overviews, does not fully answer a query, the user can activate AI Mode to start a dialogue. Robby Stein, Google's vice president of product for Search, explains this duality as having a quick snapshot when needed and a longer chat when desired. Switching between both functions is intuitive and only requires a gesture on the screen. This design aims to make the interaction more adaptable and organic.

Key features of the new approach:
  • Smooth transition between a synthesized summary and a conversation with AI.
  • Integration of the Gemini 3 model to process and generate responses.
  • Interface designed to be natural and require minimal user intervention.
A quick snapshot when you need it and a deeper conversation when you want it.

Towards Interactive and Contextual Search

This change reflects a trend where search engines try to understand the user's intent and maintain the conversation thread. Instead of just showing a list of links, Google now produces elaborated responses and offers the option to explore details through additional questions. The system analyzes the information to provide direct answers and then allows delving into specific aspects.

New search capabilities:
  • Understand and maintain context across multiple questions.
  • Generate synthesized responses instead of just referencing sources.
  • Allow the user to delve deeper into any topic through dialogue.

The Future of Curiosity and Its Cost

Now you can ask Google practically anything that comes to mind, though you might not be ready for the answer... or for the energy consumption involved in processing so much curiosity. This advancement redefines how we search for information, prioritizing conversational interaction over passive link browsing. 🔍