Gemini in Chrome: Google's AI Powers Agentic Browsing

Gemini Integration Expands to All U.S. Chrome Users

Google has announced the wider release of Gemini within the Chrome browser to all desktop users in the United States, moving beyond its previous availability limited to Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra subscribers. This rollout accompanies several new features and enhancements designed to improve the browsing experience.

Enhanced Capabilities with Gemini

Users in the U.S. with English as their preferred language can now utilize Gemini to gain clarity on complex information found on any webpage. Access is granted through the Gemini icon located in the upper-right corner of the Chrome window.

For instance, if a webpage contains a banana bread recipe, Gemini can be instructed to modify it to be gluten-free.

Multi-Tab Functionality and Information Synthesis

Gemini’s functionality now extends across multiple browser tabs. This allows users to efficiently compare and summarize data from various websites simultaneously.

Consider a scenario where a user is planning a trip, researching flights, hotels, and activities across several tabs; Gemini can assist in organizing the details of the vacation.

Similarly, when shopping for a new mattress, Gemini can facilitate a comparison of different models being considered across multiple websites.

Recall of Previously Visited Pages

Soon, Gemini will be capable of recalling web pages visited in the past. This feature will streamline the process of revisiting previous browsing sessions, eliminating the need to manually search through browser history.

Users will be able to pose questions such as, “On which website did I view the walnut desk last week?” or “What was the name of the blog post I read regarding back-to-school shopping?”

Integration with Google Applications

A more profound integration between Gemini in Chrome and other Google applications, including Calendar, YouTube, and Maps, is being launched.

This integration will enable users to perform actions like scheduling appointments, viewing location specifics, and more, all without navigating away from the current webpage.

For example, if a specific point within a YouTube video is desired, Gemini can be instructed to directly navigate to that segment.

Automated Task Completion

The AI assistant will also be able to automate routine tasks, such as scheduling a haircut or placing a weekly grocery order. Gemini will navigate to the appropriate website, add items to the shopping cart, and allow the user to finalize the purchase.

Agentic Capabilities and AI Mode

These new agentic capabilities are slated for release in Chrome in the coming months. This follows the launch of OpenAI’s Operator, an AI agent designed for autonomous task execution, earlier in the year.

AI Mode, Google’s advanced search feature, is also being directly integrated into the Chrome address bar.

With AI Mode, users can pose complex questions and follow up with additional queries to explore topics in greater depth.

Instead of a simple search for “best mattress,” a user could input, “I am a side sleeper experiencing occasional lower back pain. Generate a table comparing different mattress types” directly into the address bar.

Further questions can then be asked to refine the search, such as, “What is the typical lifespan of a memory foam mattress?”

Rollout and Expansion

This update will initially be available in English within the U.S. later this month, with plans for expansion to additional countries and languages in the future.

Contextual Question Suggestions

The address bar will also offer the ability to ask questions related to the content of the current webpage. Chrome will suggest relevant questions based on the page’s context, initiating a search directly from the address bar.

Users will receive a helpful AI Overview and the option to ask follow-up questions using AI Mode.

Enhanced Security Against Scams

Chrome will soon leverage its Gemini Nano model to detect and protect against online scams, including fake virus alerts and deceptive giveaways. These scams frequently impersonate reputable brands and utilize generative AI to create convincing phishing attempts.

Simplified Password Management

Google is also implementing AI-powered assistance for resolving compromised passwords with a single click on supported websites, such as Coursera, Spotify, Duolingo, H&M, and others.

If Chrome alerts a user to a password breach, it can be permitted to generate and save a new password automatically.