Google Updates AI Overviews: Follow-Up Questions Trigger New 'AI Mode'
Google Updates AI Overviews: Follow-Up Questions Trigger New 'AI Mode'
Wednesday, January 28, 2026




Michael Scott
Michael Scott
Head of Organic
Head of Organic
Google has introduced a significant interface change for AI Overviews on mobile devices. According to a report by Search Engine Land, asking a follow-up question now shifts the user directly into a dedicated conversational view.
Entering AI Mode
Previously, asking a clarifying question kept the user on the standard search results page. With this update, asking a follow-up question transports the user to 'AI Mode'.
This new interface removes the standard search wrapper and focuses entirely on the conversation. Robby Stein, Google's VP of Product, stated that the intention is to make the "transition to a conversation even more seamless".
Gemini 3 is Now Default
In addition to the interface update, Google confirmed that Gemini 3 is now the default model powering AI Overviews globally. This move replaces previous models with a more capable iteration intended to improve response quality and speed for general queries.
Impact on Organic Visibility
For marketers, the introduction of AI Mode raises valid concerns regarding visibility. As highlighted by Search Engine Land, once a user enters this mode, the traditional organic links and source citations are removed from the immediate view.
This creates a closed loop where the user interacts solely with the AI, potentially reducing click-through rates to publisher websites during follow-up queries.
Key Takeaways
Mobile Only: The feature is currently live on mobile devices.
Conversational Shift: Follow-up questions trigger a dedicated AI interface that obscures standard search results.
Model Update: Gemini 3 is now the standard engine for these overviews.
We will continue to monitor how this specific implementation affects organic traffic patterns as adoption grows.
Google has introduced a significant interface change for AI Overviews on mobile devices. According to a report by Search Engine Land, asking a follow-up question now shifts the user directly into a dedicated conversational view.
Entering AI Mode
Previously, asking a clarifying question kept the user on the standard search results page. With this update, asking a follow-up question transports the user to 'AI Mode'.
This new interface removes the standard search wrapper and focuses entirely on the conversation. Robby Stein, Google's VP of Product, stated that the intention is to make the "transition to a conversation even more seamless".
Gemini 3 is Now Default
In addition to the interface update, Google confirmed that Gemini 3 is now the default model powering AI Overviews globally. This move replaces previous models with a more capable iteration intended to improve response quality and speed for general queries.
Impact on Organic Visibility
For marketers, the introduction of AI Mode raises valid concerns regarding visibility. As highlighted by Search Engine Land, once a user enters this mode, the traditional organic links and source citations are removed from the immediate view.
This creates a closed loop where the user interacts solely with the AI, potentially reducing click-through rates to publisher websites during follow-up queries.
Key Takeaways
Mobile Only: The feature is currently live on mobile devices.
Conversational Shift: Follow-up questions trigger a dedicated AI interface that obscures standard search results.
Model Update: Gemini 3 is now the standard engine for these overviews.
We will continue to monitor how this specific implementation affects organic traffic patterns as adoption grows.
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