AI Overviews gets upgraded to Gemini 3 with a dash of AI Mode (arstechnica.com)

Google has announced an upgrade to its AI Overviews feature, transitioning to the more advanced Gemini 3 models, which aim to enhance the chatbot's conversational abilities and accuracy in handling user queries. Historically, AI Overviews has been criticized for occasionally providing inaccurate information; however, this new integration promises an improved user experience by leveraging Gemini 3's capabilities over the previously utilized Gemini 2.5 models. The significance of this upgrade lies in its potential to radically improve the efficiency of information retrieval in Google's search ecosystem. AI Overviews now employs a dynamic model selection process, wherein it chooses the appropriate Gemini 3 variant based on the complexity of the query. For straightforward searches, it might utilize the more streamlined Gemini 3 Flash, while intricate or specialized queries could benefit from the more robust Gemini 3 Pro, available to subscribers. This advancement signifies a step forward in generative AI, further embedding AI capabilities into everyday search experiences, and underlines Google's commitment to continually enhancing AI-driven interactions.