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ZDNET's key takeaways
- Google's AI now shows you the original sources via pop-up windows.
- The new option works in both AI Overviews and AI Mode.
- Just click the link in the pop-up to view the source's website.
I often turn to Google's AI Overviews and AI Mode when I run a search on a particular topic. The resulting Gemini-based summaries can cut to the chase by providing the gist of the information I seek. But there's one big downside. AI can be wrong. For that reason, I never rely solely on AI; I always double-check the original sources used to create the summary. And now Google has made that process easier.
Also: How to get rid of AI Overviews in Google Search: 4 easy ways
\In a recent post on X, Robby Stein, product VP for Google Search, announced a new feature designed to benefit all Google users. With both AI Overviews and AI Mode, groups of links now automatically appear in a pop-up window as you hover over them. This means you can jump to the website for any specific source more quickly to double-check the information in the AI summary.
Here's how this plays out.
Just click the links to verify AI's information
Head to Google's search engine via your favorite desktop browser. Enter a search word or phrase in the search field. In response, Google will likely show you an AI Overview at or near the top of the regular results.
Within the overview, you should see links at the end of each paragraph or section. Hover over one of those links, and a small window pops up with a description and link for the source used to compile the overview. Click the link, and you're taken to the source's website where you can verify the information and get the full story.
Also: I tested Google Docs' new AI audio summaries, and they're a massive time-saver
This also works in AI Mode. Select the heading at the top for AI Mode. Hover over a link contained in the AI summary to see the sources consulted for that particular paragraph or section. From the pop-up window, click the link for a source to visit its website.
“Our testing shows this new UI is more engaging, making it easier to get to great content across the web,” Stein said in his post.
Google had already been displaying a list of sources used by Gemini on the right side of the screen. But now the new pop-up windows make it easier to see which source contributed to which content. Rather than rely on AI Overview or AI Mode summaries alone, you'll want to check out the original sources, and this new option makes it easier than ever.
