Google is dramatically transforming Chrome into an AI-powered browser, marking what it calls the browser's most significant upgrade ever. This ambitious overhaul centers around the integration of Gemini, Google's AI model, bringing powerful new features to users in the coming weeks.
The most immediate change is the addition of a dedicated Gemini button. This allows users to query and summarize content across their open tabs, extending functionality already available on Android devices to desktop and soon, iOS. Gemini's capabilities reach beyond individual tabs; it can interact with other applications and Google services like Calendar and YouTube, even retrieving relevant links from browsing history based on vague prompts.
This AI integration is also reshaping web search. AI Mode is becoming more central to Chrome's search functionality, accessible from the omnibar. While not yet the default, the switch is easily made, promising a smoother AI-powered search experience. The omnibar also gains "ask about this page" functionality, offering AI-generated summaries and allowing for follow-up questions within AI Mode.
Security is another area receiving an AI boost. Gemini's enhanced capabilities will improve scam detection, identifying tech support scams, fake virus alerts, and phony giveaways. Furthermore, Chrome's password manager will gain the ability to automatically change compromised passwords with a single click, though this feature warrants caution given the potential for errors.
Later this year, Google plans to introduce agentic control to Chrome, allowing users to issue commands to the browser for task automation. While similar features exist from OpenAI and Anthropic, Google’s integration through Chrome's widespread adoption could significantly increase accessibility. However, concerns remain about the speed, cost, and potential limitations of these agentic features. While Google hasn't explicitly addressed pricing for this advanced functionality, the high computational cost of such AI models raises questions about its accessibility to all users. The success of this ambitious undertaking hinges on balancing innovation with practicality and cost-effectiveness for the massive user base of Chrome.
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Originally published at: https://arstechnica.com/google/2025/09/google-announces-massive-expansion-of-ai-features-in-chrome/
