Google launches AI-powered features for Chrome desktop

These updates aim to improve user experience and functionality, focusing on privacy and data transparency. The initial rollout will be global, but some features are available as opt-in for US users only.

Buisinessman holding google logo

Google is rolling out new AI-driven features for Chrome’s desktop version, powered by its Gemini technology. These updates include the introduction of Google Lens for desktop, accessible from the address bar and menu, allowing users to select parts of a web page or objects in images to ask questions and receive search results. The feature aims to enhance the user experience by enabling more interactive and visual searches.

Another addition is the Tab Compare feature, which is designed to simplify online shopping. It provides an AI-generated summary of similar items from different tabs, presenting product specifications, features, prices, and ratings in one consolidated view. This tool will help users make more informed purchasing decisions by comparing items across multiple pages.

Google also improves search functionality by integrating natural language queries for browsing history. Users can search their history using everyday language, making it easier to find previously visited pages. For example, users can ask, ‘What was that ice cream shop I looked at last week?’ and get relevant results based on the URL, title, and content of the pages.

These updates reflect Google’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI into its services, following previous enhancements such as a writing assistant, tab organiser, and theme creator introduced earlier this year. By leveraging AI, Google aims to provide users with a more intuitive and efficient browsing experience.