Key takeaways
- Google introduces 10 new AI features in Chrome, marking its biggest upgrade ever.
- Gemini integration enables task automation and enhanced browsing assistance for users.
- AI Mode allows complex queries directly from the address bar for streamlined searching.
- Expanded online safety protections will identify scams and enhance user security.
- Updates will roll out gradually in the US before expanding to other regions.
Google announced on Thursday the rollout of 10 new artificial intelligence (AI) features in its Chrome browser, calling it the biggest upgrade in Chrome’s history. The updates include Gemini integration, AI-powered browsing assistance and expanded online safety protections, and will roll out gradually in English in the US before expanding to more countries and languages.
“Today represents the biggest upgrade to Chrome in its history, as we share how we’re using the latest in Google AI to enhance your browsing experience,” said Mike Torres, vice president of product for Chrome.
The company is introducing Gemini in Chrome for Mac and Windows desktop users in the US, with plans to extend to mobile platforms and Google Workspace in the coming weeks. Users will be able to ask Gemini to explain or summarise information on webpages and across multiple tabs.
Upcoming updates will add agentic capabilities, allowing Gemini to perform actions such as booking appointments or placing grocery orders on behalf of users. Torres said these features can be stopped at any time, giving users control.
Chrome will also allow users to recall websites they visited in the past using prompts such as “what was the website that I saw the walnut desk on last week?”
In addition, Gemini will work more closely with Google apps like Calendar, YouTube and Maps without requiring users to switch tabs.
The browser is also adding AI Mode in the omnibox, enabling longer and more complex queries directly from the address bar. Contextual AI Overviews will appear in a side panel, offering quick answers to questions about the page being viewed.
On the security front, Gemini Nano will strengthen Chrome’s Safe Browsing Enhanced Protection mode by identifying scams involving fake viruses or giveaways. Chrome will also use AI to reduce unwanted notifications and learn user preferences for handling site permission requests.
According to Google, Chrome on Android has already cut around 3 billion unwanted notifications daily through AI-driven detection of spammy alerts.
