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Google Expands AI Capabilities in Chrome with New Gemini Features

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In 2025, a surge of AI-powered browsers emerged from companies like OpenAI, Perplexity, Opera, and The Browser Company, aiming to compete with Chrome by offering innovative features. Now, Google is enhancing Chrome to maintain its edge as the world’s leading browser by integrating features from its Gemini AI into a dedicated sidebar.

  • The update moves Gemini from a floating window to a permanent sidebar, allowing users to ask questions about current web content and other open tabs.
  • A key innovation is the context group recognition, which facilitates tab management when comparing products or prices, available to Windows, MacOS, and now Chromebook Plus users.
  • Google's personal intelligence feature is set for future rollout, enabling users to query their own Google data in Gmail, YouTube, etc. for more personalized assistance.
  • The auto-browse function represents the most ambitious feature, allowing the AI to perform tasks like purchasing items or searching for discounts, with necessary user permissions for sensitive actions.
  • Despite ambitious capabilities, Google acknowledges current limitations, as browser-based agents often struggle with real-world task execution. However, initial tests show success in scheduling, form filling, tax document collection, and more.

The Gemini sidebar support and Nano Banana integration are launching immediately, with other features rolling out to AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S. TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is highlighted as a related upcoming event with discounted ticket offers.