Google has expanded the capabilities of its Chrome browser on desktops by incorporating Gemini AI. The update includes the introduction of Google Lens for desktop use, an AI-driven comparison tool for shopping tabs, and advanced search options for browsing history.
Google Lens Available on Desktop
Previously confined to mobile devices, Google Lens is now part of the desktop Chrome experience. Lens functionality is embedded in both the address bar and the three-dot menu. It allows users to highlight sections of a webpage and ask questions to generate search outcomes. By tapping on objects within images, users can find products in various colors or brands through multi-search. AI Overviews may appear in the search responses, and beyond shopping, Lens can answer questions about diverse subjects like botany or math equations.
AI-Powered Comparison Tool for Shopping Tabs
Chrome’s new AI Tab Compare feature aims to make shopping easier by summarizing comparable items across multiple tabs. For example, if a user is looking at different Bluetooth speakers, this tool gathers crucial details like specifications, features, prices, and ratings from each page, presenting them in a singular, cohesive view.
One of the notable updates is the ability to search one’s browsing history using natural language. Available as an opt-in for U.S. users, this feature helps locate previously visited web pages based on partial recollections. For instance, users could retrieve a page by asking, “What was that ice cream shop site I visited last week?“
Google leverages data such as URLs, page titles, and content snippets to deliver relevant results. It is specified that this data is not employed to train the Gemini AI, nor does it include information from incognito sessions. Processing for AI-powered search queries is done via cloud resources due to their complexity.
Global Rollout and Future Developments
The updated Google Lens feature in the desktop version of Chrome introduces a sidebar, allowing users to perform multi-search without switching tabs. This can streamline the search experience significantly. According to Chrome VP Parisa Tabriz, the rollout will be global in the coming days. However, the AI Overviews feature within the search results is initially available only to U.S. users, confirmed by Google spokesperson Joshua Cruz.
Earlier this year, Google implemented various AI-powered features into Chrome, such as a writing assistant, tab organizer, and theme creator. By mid-year, users gained the ability to summon Gemini directly from the address bar to ask questions. These enhancements align with Google’s continuous effort to improve user experiences with AI technology and machine learning advancements.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 3:25 pm CET
