Image source: Generated by Unbounded AI
On January 24, Beijing time, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced that the latest version of Google's Chrome browser officially introduces generative AI capabilities. A revolution in the ability of AI to be built into the browser has begun. In the new version of Chrome, Pichai says generative AI features make it easier for you to get things done on the web: keep your tabs organized, get help writing content online, and use AI to generate custom Chrome backgrounds.
Generative AI capabilities that make web browsing easier, more efficient, and more personalized
First, enable generative AI capabilities, which will be available in the Chrome browser on Mac and Windows in the coming days. Just log in to Chrome, go to "Settings" in the menu, and find the "Experimental AI" option.
Tag management just got smarter
Chrome users used to rely heavily on manual task when it came to managing tags, but with the new AI, Chrome will automatically suggest and create tag groups based on the tabs you open. This is especially useful if you're multitasking in Chrome at the same time, such as planning trips, researching topics, and shopping. To use this feature, right-click on the label and select "Organize Similar Labels" or click the drop-down arrow to the left of the label. Chrome will even suggest names and emojis for these new groups so that you can easily find them again the next time you need them.
AI generates custom themed wallpapers
Last year, Google introduced generative AI wallpapers on Android 14 and Pixel 8 devices. Now, Chrome will also introduce this Wensheng graph diffusion model to bring a higher degree of personalization. On the generation screen, Chrome provides options such as themes, moods, visual styles, and colors, allowing users to quickly generate custom themes, which is more convenient than just typing text.
To use this generative AI feature, first, visit the "Customize Chrome" side panel, click "Change Theme", and then click "Create with AI". For example, maybe you're obsessed with the Northern Lights and want to watch it in an "animated" style and in a "seren" mood. Just select these options to see what Chrome has to offer.
In addition to AI-generated themes, you can customize Chrome with photos you upload or themes from your favorite in the Chrome Web Store.
Generate content on the web side
Writing online can be daunting, especially if you want to express your thoughts in a public place or forum. That's why Chrome is rolling out another experimental AI-powered feature to help you write more confidently on the web – whether you want to leave a well-written review for a restaurant, prepare a friendly reply for a party, or make a formal inquiry about apartment rent. First, right-click on the text box or field on any website you visit in Chrome and select "Help Me Write." Type in a few words, and the AI will start the writing process for you.
This web-wide AI integration is why Chrome can be a powerful place for Google to integrate its Gemini model, Bard Assistant, and other emerging AI tools. Google's search engine is already like a layer on top of the internet, and the company clearly wants its AI to work in the same way, not only to help you find things, but also to interact with you and create more. We've seen this in features like Chrome's article summaries, and we'll see more soon.
If anything, Google came too late. Over the past year, Microsoft has been bundling similar AI capabilities into Edge, while smaller browser vendors like Arc and Opera are also working on their own AI integrations. Chatbots may be the hot new AI app right now, but browsers are where developers can integrate and access almost everything.
In a blog post announcing new features for Chrome, Google said there would be more to come, including plans to integrate the new Gemini model "to help you navigate easier and faster." Bard may not be added directly on the Chrome sidebar, but don't be surprised to see AI in every tab before long.
Resources:
https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/23/24047843/google-chrome-browser-ai-organize-tabs-themes
https://blog.google/products/chrome/google-chrome-generative-ai-features-january-2024/