Google Tests Floating Omnibox That Routes Desktop Searches Into AI Mode

The prototype centers conversational AI and upload tools in a detachable desktop search bar to explore a new way for users to start queries.

Overview

Google is testing a detached “Everywhere Omnibox” in Chrome Canary that places a floating search box on the desktop and can send queries into AI Mode.
A new Chrome flag redirects any omnibox entry that is not a URL into AI Mode, so typing a question opens an AI thread instead of the standard search results page.
A Google code commit describing the change calls it exploratory and explicitly says there are no current plans to make the behavior the default.
The floating UI replaces the normal prompt with an “Ask anything” field and includes a plus menu for uploads, document analysis, and AI-generated images to support multi-step tasks.
The experiment is desktop-only and hidden behind developer flags in Canary, and it follows earlier floating search work by rivals while raising questions about how centralizing AI could change everyday search behavior and traffic patterns.