Chrome is getting a massive AI update in the coming weeks thanks to an infusion of new Gemini-based features making AI integral to nearly every aspect of using Google's browser. Google outlined the updates in a blog post today (September 18).
For those who've bought into AI, the new tools look useful; if you haven't, there's Vivaldi, a browser that is stridently anti-ai and built for online security (we would have suggested Firefox but it is also getting an AI chatbot).
You'll know Gemini has arrived thanks to a new Gemini button on the desktop browser.
Here's a closer look at what this Gemini infusion brings to Chrome. The new features can be boiled down to three categories: online security, Google search, and tab/website organization.
Gemini Assistant and Search
A new Gemini button will open up side tab where you can ask questions about content in your open tabs. On mobile, Gemini already works with Chrome, but in iOS it will be built into the Chrome app.
Google says that agentic capabilities are coming over the next few months to "handle tedious tasks" like booking a haircut or buying your food. You will tell Gemini what you want to do and it will act on web pages for you.
For those who have kept AI Mode turned on, you'll now be able to access it right in the address bar (or what Google has dubbed the omnibox). This mode is supposed to let you ask longer and more complex questions to receive AI responses.
In AI Mode, you can ask follow-up questions. This specific feature is supposed to launch before the end of September.
In normal search, you'll still get the AI Overview and you can follow up with questions about the content in the tab in AI Mode. There will also be contextual suggestions if you can't think of your own.
Tab organization
Google claims Gemini will be able to work across multiple tabs, meaning you could be doing trip research, while planning a flight and booking a hotel. Gemini is supposed to be able to consolidate all of that info into an itinerary if needed.
Or you could wait for the experimental Split Tabs feature to become a full-fledged release.
Additionally, Gemini is getting the ability to read your website history so you can give it prompts like “what was that blog I read on back to school shopping?" to find sites you previously visited.
Non-Chrome apps like Maps, YouTube and Calendar are getting Gemini integration that would let you schedule appointments, or look up a location without leaving the webpage you're on. Doing so involves asking Gemini in Chrome using the Gemini button.
Online security
A version of Gemini Nano is coming to Chrome as part of this AI expansion that would enhance the already existing Safe Browsing Enhanced Protection mode, which already uses Gemini Nano.
This mode IDs tech support scams to stop you from downloading potentially harmful software. The updated version is also supposed to stop malicious sites from hitting you with fake viruses or fake giveways to trick people into clicking.
Chrome will now use AI to learn your preferences to determine which sites are allowed to give you notifications while also blocking spam or scam notifications.
Lastly, Chrome will be getting an AI password agent that will let you change saved passwords with a single click, but only on supported sites. Examples provided by Google include Spotify, Duolingo and H&M. It's unclear how many websites will support this feature.
This is meant to expand on the password features that already exist in Chrome such as the ability to alert you about compromised passwords and login credentials autofilling.
When is this all coming?
Chrome is one of the most popular browsers in the world, so this Gemini integration is going to put AI features in front of more people in the coming weeks and months.
Not every Gemini feature announced by Google will be available right away. Some, as mentioned, are rolling out in the coming months while others like the updated AI mode are supposed to launch by the end of the month. Subscribers to Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra will have already seen some of these features.
As with most Google rollouts, just because a feature launched today, it doesn't mean you'll get it right away. It could take a few days for you to see any of these updates in Chrome.
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