Essential Information
- Google is reportedly commencing trials for an “@aimode” shortcut within its Chrome browser on desktop.
- This new feature allows users to swiftly access AI Mode’s intelligence for queries before entering its complete Search environment for results, akin to Gemini.
- At I/O 2025, Google showcased an upcoming seamless shopping experience within AI Mode, aimed at providing inspiration and tailored product suggestions.
Google is said to be evaluating a novel way for users on Chrome PC to access its AI Mode.
According to a report from WindowsReport, this feature will be integrated into the browser’s address bar. It appears that the test utilizes a “custom version” of Gemini 2.5. Users can locate the “@aimode” shortcut by navigating to Settings > Search Engine > Manage Search Engines > Site Search. The findings suggest this will trigger a dropdown menu in Chrome’s address bar displaying all available shortcuts.
Once there, users can press the Tab or Spacebar keys to activate the AI Mode function, creating a designated side-section marked by the Search magnifying glass and Google’s AI star icon.
Users can input their queries just like any standard search and hit enter. Although Chrome won’t be ready to showcase these AI Mode results from that new tab (or wherever they are), it will redirect to Search for the answers.
On a separate note, for Chrome on Android, the well-known tipster Leopeva64 has indicated a colorful AI Mode icon present on new tabs, which also seems to be under development. The tipster mentions that users can tap this magnifying glass to directly access the AI Mode view, bypassing Search altogether.
AI Integration Across Google
Google introduced address bar shortcuts late last year. Initially, Chrome on desktop featured three options: @history, @bookmarks, and @tabs, allowing users to search specific categories using keywords instead of navigating directly to them, saving time. Google has also implemented custom site shortcuts, allowing users to search for YouTube videos, for example, without having to visit the site first.
This feature on Chrome’s desktop has remained relatively low-profile. In Google’s extensive AI initiative for the browser, Chrome added an “@gemini” function, enabling users to pose queries and be directed to Gemini’s web app for answers, similar to the current trials with AI Mode.
The timeline for this feature’s release is uncertain, given its current presence only in Chrome Canary, Google’s test environment.
Following the introduction of AI Mode to a broader audience, I/O 2025 showcased additional convenient enhancements for this feature. AI Mode is set to elevate its shopping experience, making it more seamless. By utilizing Shopping Graph, AI Mode will assist users in discovering fashion inspiration and curating “personalized” product options tailored to their preferences.