Google has announced a series of updates designed to transform Chrome into a fully integrated AI browser. The new features focus on contextual awareness and autonomous web agents.
Key updates
- Gemini Sidebar. Gemini now resides in a persistent sidebar rather than a popup. It has context regarding your active browsing session, allowing it to answer questions based on open tabs or tab groups. For example, it can compare prices for a product across different open sites automatically. This is available now on Windows, macOS, and Chromebook Plus.
- Nano Banana integration. This feature allows users to edit and combine images directly while surfing. Users can modify current visuals with objects found online via the Gemini sidebar.
- Personal Intelligence. Arriving in the coming months, this feature grants Gemini permission to access data from Gmail, YouTube, and Google Photos. This enables users to draft emails or check schedules without leaving their current browser tab.
- Auto Browse. Perhaps the most significant shift is the introduction of an AI agent capable of executing tasks. Auto Browse can navigate websites, find products, apply discount coupons, fill out tax forms, or plan travel itineraries. To ensure security, sensitive actions like payments or logins still require human confirmation.
Standard features are rolling out now. Auto Browse is currently available in a limited mode for AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the US.