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Google is giving its browser what it calls “the biggest upgrade to Chrome in its history”, with the introduction of its LLM Gemini in the app, alongside a new AI Mode for search and some extra security features powered by Nano.
Google has announced the introduction of an “AI browsing assistant” to Chrome. It says the assistant, known as Gemini in Chrome, will be able to provide more contextual information and links into other Google services like Docs and Calendar to Chrome users.
Google suggests users might want to use Gemini in Chrome to explain topics they’re researching, compare information and make recommendations, create summaries of articles, brainstorm ideas, or “modify a recipe to meet dietary needs”.
Users can access Gemini in Chrome through the Gemini icon in the Chrome toolbar, and chat with the AI, share pages with it, or switch Gemini models through a floating window in the browser. Google is also rolling out voice navigation functionality for Gemini in Chrome – “we’re gradually releasing this feature, so it might not be available to you just yet”, the company said – to enable hands-free browsing.
Gemini in Chrome will provide information based on a user’s current tab, which will be shared by default. If a user switches to a new tab, Gemini in Chrome will use details from that tab instead.
It can also draw from other Google apps to provide information, including suggesting relevant videos in YouTube, or offering location-based details from Maps. If users opt-in, it will also be able to connect with Workspace apps, where it can summarise Gmail messages, create events in Calendar, or add items on Tasks. Currently, Gemini in Chrome can connect to Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Drive, Keep, Tasks, Maps, and YouTube, but Google says integration with more apps will be added in future.
Gemini in Chrome can’t be used in incognito mode, or in work or school accounts unless enabled by an administrator, however.
In the coming months, Google will also be adding agentic AI into Gemini in Chrome, with the aim of automating entire processes, such as making an online grocery order or booking an appointment at the barber.
Gemini in Chrome is now rolling out to US browsers with their language set to English on both Mac and Windows OS, and will be available on Android and iOS “soon”, according to Google.
Alongside the introduction of Gemini in Chrome, Google is also adding AI functionality into the Chrome address bar with the debut of AI Mode, where users can “ask complex multi-part questions”, Google said. AI Mode will also offer contextual information related to searches. “For example, if you’re shopping for a mattress, the omnibox [Google’s name for the address bar] might suggest follow-up searches like “what’s the warranty policy?”,’ it added. AI Mode will be available in the US for English language users later this month, and will be introduced more widely soon.
And finally, Google has announced it’s going to be expanding the security it offers Chrome users through its Safe Browsing Enhanced Protection, which is powered by Gemini Nano: it plans to introduce extra protection to help users spot fake viruses and giveaways.
