Google has announced a major update for its Chrome browser, integrating its Gemini artificial intelligence model to add a range of new features. According to an official company blog post, the changes are being rolled out to make browsing more productive and secure. Reporting by Wired notes that this move marks a significant step in making the concept of an “AI browser” a mainstream reality.
The update, which is initially available for desktop users in the U.S. with their language set to English, introduces several new capabilities.
New AI-powered functionalities
A new Gemini button is being added to the browser’s toolbar. Google states that this will allow users to ask the AI to summarize or clarify information on any webpage they are viewing. The feature can also work across multiple open tabs to compare and consolidate information, for instance, to help plan a trip.
Another key change is the integration of Google Search’s “AI Mode” directly into the Chrome address bar, also known as the omnibox. This allows users to ask longer, more complex questions and receive an AI-generated overview without leaving their current page.
Focus on security and user experience
Google is also using its smaller AI model, Gemini Nano, to enhance security. The company says its Safe Browsing feature will now offer expanded protection against sophisticated phishing scams, such as those using fake virus warnings or giveaways. Furthermore, the browser will use AI to identify and reduce spammy website notifications and present permission requests, like access to a camera or location, in a less intrusive manner.
While Google has also announced future features, such as an “agentic” assistant to handle tasks like online shopping, these are not yet available. As Wired reports, some users may be hesitant to adopt these new AI tools. For those who prefer not to use the new features, Google provides an option to unpin and hide the Gemini icon from the toolbar.
The initial rollout is for Chrome on Mac and Windows in the U.S. Google has stated that availability for mobile users and in other countries will follow.