Google will begin integrating Gemini into Chrome for all PC and mobile users in the United States. Previously, the AI was only available to Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra subscribers.
Users will be able to ask the chatbot to understand the content of a web page, work with multiple tabs, or perform more actions within a single one. For instance, they can schedule a meeting or find a video on YouTube.
“We are evolving the browser so that you can get the most out of the internet — in ways that seemed impossible just a few years ago. And we are doing this while maintaining the speed, simplicity, and security of Chrome that so many people love,” noted Rick Osterloh, the company’s senior vice president for platforms and devices.
Soon, artificial intelligence will be able to find web pages that a user visited earlier. Users will be able to ask questions like, “On which site did I see that nut table last week?”
The new Gemini in Chrome has deeper integration with Google applications like Calendar, YouTube, and Maps. This allows access to services without switching to other pages.
The company is also adding an advanced search function, AI Mode, directly into Chrome’s address bar. With it, users can ask complex questions and delve into topics by making clarifying queries.
The update will begin rolling out in September in English in the U.S., with other countries to follow later.
The company stated that soon Chrome will be able to use the Gemini Nano model to detect and protect against fraudulent schemes like fake virus warnings and scams.
Browsers — The Battle for Traffic
The browser remains the primary tool for accessing the internet. Today, it is also becoming an arena for competition in the consumer AI sector.
Google and Apple have controlled this sector for many years, which is why the U.S. Department of Justice attempted to compel the American corporation to sell Chrome as part of an antitrust case. However, the court rejected the idea.
Meanwhile, Apple plans to launch its own web search based on neural networks. It will be integrated into the voice assistant Siri.
AI competitors are offering their own solutions. In January, the startup OpenAI introduced the agent “Operator.” It can perform tasks on the internet instead of the user.
In August, Anthropic presented an extension in Chrome for the AI agent Claude, and a month earlier Perplexity launched its own AI-based web browser — Comet.
Agentic Capabilities
Google announced new agentic capabilities for Gemini in Chrome. Agentic AI allows the creation of customized services capable of performing specific tasks.
In the coming months, users will be able to assign tasks to the service such as booking a haircut or ordering groceries for the week. Previously, such functions were available in the internal Project Mariner.
Partnership with PayPal
PayPal announced a strategic partnership with Google to create new commerce solutions based on the corporation’s AI technologies. In turn, the payment company’s tools will be integrated into the American corporation’s products. Collaboration with its cloud division is also planned for hosting and improving technological infrastructure.
The companies did not specify which particular agentic commerce capabilities they plan to develop. It is only known that Google will provide its artificial intelligence and expertise, while PayPal will leverage its global payment infrastructure, personalization, and identification solutions.
Additionally, both firms will join other participants to promote the Agent Payments Protocol.
As part of the deal, PayPal will become a key payment provider for cards in services like Google Cloud, Google Ads, and Google Play.
Transfer of Gems
Google announced that users will be able to transfer their Gems — personalized AI assistants and experts created for specific tasks.
They appeared in 2024 as part of the paid subscription Gemini Advanced. With this feature, users can set instructions and receive a chatbot for specific scenarios.
The company offered ready-made AI assistants: a study mentor, a brainstorming assistant, a career consultant, a text editor, and a programming partner.
Now the corporation has allowed sharing settings with friends, relatives, or colleagues. This helps avoid situations where different users create the same assistants. The new feature is also useful for collaborative work on family vacation plans, menu planning, or group projects.
Back in August, Google launched AI Mode in 180 countries.