Chrome Gets Smart: Google's Biggest Browser Update Ever Brings AI to Every Click

Chrome Gets Smart: Google's Biggest Browser Update Ever Brings AI to Every Click

Google is rolling out what it calls Chrome's most significant upgrade ever, transforming the world's most popular browser into an AI-powered assistant. With Chrome remaining under Google's control, the company is going all-in on Gemini integration across every aspect of browsing.

What's New in Your Browser

The most visible change is a new Gemini button on desktop Chrome that opens an AI assistant capable of analyzing and summarizing content across all your open tabs. Unlike basic chatbots, this integration connects with Google Calendar, YouTube, and your browsing history to answer complex questions based on vague memories.

AI Mode searches are also getting prominent placement in Chrome's address bar, moving Google closer to making AI the default way people search the web. The browser will suggest relevant questions about web pages and display AI-generated answers in a side panel.

Key Security and Productivity Features:

• Enhanced scam detection - An updated Gemini Nano model spots fake virus alerts and phony giveaways
• Automatic password changes - Chrome's password manager can now change compromised passwords with one click
• Cross-platform integration - iOS devices will get built-in Gemini functionality through the Chrome app

The Future: AI Agents Take Control

Later this year, Chrome will introduce "agentic control" - AI agents that can actually operate your computer to complete tasks like scheduling appointments or ordering groceries. Similar to OpenAI's Operator and Anthropic's Claude for Chrome, these systems face challenges with speed and cost.

While competitors like OpenAI charge $200 monthly for similar features, Google hasn't announced pricing for Chrome's agent capabilities. Given Chrome's massive user base, the company faces the expensive challenge of potentially offering AI agents to billions of users.

These updates represent Google's biggest bet yet on making AI an integral part of everyday browsing, though users seeking a simpler experience can always switch to alternatives like Firefox.

🔗 Read the full article on Ars Technica