Google has announced what it calls the biggest upgrade in Chrome’s history, with a wave of new AI features now built into the browser. The updates centre around Gemini, Google’s AI model, which is being integrated directly into Chrome for Mac and Windows users in the U.S. (sorry, Canada has to wait, for now), with mobile support for Android and iOS set to follow next.
With Gemini in Chrome, users can now ask the AI to summarize or explain webpages, compare info across multiple tabs, and even recall past websites without having to scroll through history. In the coming months, Google says Gemini will gain the ability to handle tasks on users’ behalf, such as booking appointments or ordering groceries online, though the company stresses that users will remain in control and can stop the process at any time.
Mike Torres, VP of Product for Chrome, called the release on Thursday “the biggest upgrade to Chrome in its history.” For now, the new AI tools are only rolling out in the U.S. with English set as the default language, but Google says the features will expand to more countries and languages in the weeks ahead.
Google is also introducing AI Mode in Search, which allows people to type more complex questions directly into Chrome’s address bar and receive AI-generated answers, with the option to follow up without leaving the page. Gemini will also connect more closely with Google’s own apps, like Calendar, Maps and YouTube, to let people schedule meetings, find directions or jump to specific video moments without switching tabs.
On the security side, Google is expanding the use of Gemini Nano to detect fake tech support scams, phony virus alerts and other fraudulent pop-ups. Chrome will also learn user preferences to cut down on spammy notifications and present unwanted permission requests in less intrusive ways. Google says this change has already reduced billions of unwanted alerts each day for Android users.
Another update focuses on password management. Chrome already alerts people if their saved passwords have been compromised, but soon the browser will allow one-click password changes on sites like Spotify, Duolingo and H&M. Now that’s something that is super helpful. Canadians will have to wait for this update to land here. We are slowly getting closer to having our browsers do work for us.
Check out the video below:
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
