2025 saw a wave of AI browsers from companies like OpenAI, Perplexity, Opera, and The Browser Company, all trying to take on Chrome with features like sidebar assistants and automated tasks. In response, Google is flexing its AI capabilities by rolling out similar features in Chrome, which remains the most popular browser globally.
Last September, Google introduced Gemini in Chrome, but it was limited to a floating window. This new update will place the AI assistant in a persistent sidebar, enabling users to ask questions about the current website or any open tabs.
One feature highlighted by Google before the launch involves managing multiple tabs. When users open several tabs from a single webpage, the Gemini sidebar identifies them as a context group. This is particularly useful for tasks like comparing prices or products before making a purchase.
Until now, the Gemini feature in Chrome was exclusive to Windows and macOS users. With this latest release, Chromebook Plus users can also access the sidebar.
Additionally, Google is leveraging its new personal intelligence feature, which connects to your Gmail, Search, YouTube, and Google Photos accounts. This will allow users to ask Gemini questions using their own data. In the coming months, you’ll be able to inquire about your family’s schedule or even have Gemini draft an email and send it without switching to Gmail.
There’s also a new feature called Nano Banana coming to Chrome, making it easier to modify an existing image with another image or product you encounter while browsing.
The most ambitious addition is the “auto-browse” feature, designed to take care of tasks using your personal information and navigate websites on your behalf. For instance, you can instruct this feature to visit a specific website, make a purchase, and even find a discount coupon. It will prompt you for approval before executing data-sensitive tasks, like logging in or completing a purchase.
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Last year, Google noted that these features would use Chrome’s password manager and saved card details, emphasizing that its AI models wouldn’t access sensitive information.
This rollout initially targets AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S.
Browser-based agents can often be finicky and may struggle to complete tasks. Google’s demo, like many others in the AI space, focused on shopping and travel planning. In real-world applications, these agents sometimes misinterpret user intent or fail during navigation between sites, which poses challenges for broader adoption.
During early tests, users have utilized the feature for tasks such as scheduling appointments, filling out tedious online forms, collecting tax documents, obtaining quotes for home repairs, and filing expense reports.
The company announced that Gemini sidebar support and Nano Banana integration are available starting today, while the personal intelligence feature will be rolled out in the coming months.
