Google recently announced that the Chrome browser will undergo its largest upgrade to date, primarily by adding AI features to enhance user experience.
This update will be rolled out today to macOS and Windows users in the United States. Users with English settings will be the first to experience these new features. Mike Torres, vice president of Google products, said the core of this upgrade is "Geminiification." Users can access AI-based summaries of web pages, quickly summarize information from multiple tabs, review browsing history, and use content from Google apps through a newly added Gemini button. In addition, Chrome will offer some common AI browser features.
Aside from these features, Google also plans to adjust the address bar (omnibox), adding an "AI mode" button on the right side. Users can use it to access a chatbot-style search experience from Google. Although this feature is about to go live, Google has confirmed that pressing Enter will still return regular Google search results, ensuring that content creators do not lose traffic due to AI mode becoming the default setting.
For users who consider online appointments or buying groceries a "tedious task," Google will add proactive features to Chrome in the coming months. Users just need to tell Gemini what task they want to complete in Chrome, and it will handle the web page operations, allowing users to focus on other things. Google emphasized that users can stop this feature at any time, ensuring they still have control over browser usage.
In addition, Google hopes to use Gemini to improve Chrome's ability to prevent online scams. The new feature will help identify fake virus or counterfeit gift websites. Furthermore, Chrome will use AI technology to understand users' web preferences, helping determine whether websites that request permission to send notifications are spam.
Chrome will also introduce a new feature that allows users to automatically change passwords with a single click, but this feature is only available on some supported websites such as Coursera, Spotify, and Duolingo. Although these new features show potential, many users are concerned whether these features will be enabled by default and if there is a good way to disable them.
Finally, it is worth noting that although Google has made progress in promoting AI technology, users still have concerns about privacy and data usage.
Key Points:
🔍 The new Gemini button provides AI-based simplified explanations and information summaries of web pages.
⚙️ The address bar will add an "AI mode" button, and users can still return to regular search by pressing Enter.
🔒 Chrome will support automatic password changes with a single click, enhancing online security.
