Google considering direct integration of Gemini AI into Chrome browser

This feature enables users to pose questions, generate images, and create summaries, among other tasks, directly from the Omnibox

Alexander Lewis - Feb 20, 2024

The image shows a person using Gemini. — Google

Google is expanding its unified Gemini AI system within its browser by introducing the Chat with Gemini feature directly into the Chrome Omnibox.

This latest advancement will integrate a Chat with Gemini shortcut into the Chrome Omnibox, eliminating the need for users to navigate to the Gemini website for AI chatbot interactions, as reported by WindowsReport. The Omnibox, known for its dual function as both an address bar and search bar, now extends its capabilities further, offering users convenient access to Google's AI chatbot with a simple @ prompt.

This feature enables users to pose questions, generate images, and create summaries, among other tasks, directly from the Omnibox.

Although currently undergoing testing at the Canary level, users can manually activate the Chat with Gemini for Chrome Omnibox feature through an extension. To enable this functionality:

Open Google Chrome.
Navigate to chrome://flags in the Chrome Omnibox.
Locate the Expansion pack for the Site Search starter pack.
Select Enable.
Restart the browser.
Visit chrome://settings/searchEngines in the address bar.
Take note of the Chat with Gemini shortcut under Site Search.
In a new tab, type the @ symbol to reveal the Gemini shortcut and other Omnibox shortcuts, including search tabs, history, and bookmarks.
Select the Gemini shortcut.
Enter your query and press Enter to be directed to the Gemini website.

While the current canary test requires manual installation, a widespread release to the Chrome browser would likely occur seamlessly through a system update.

In related news, Google's rollout of its AI system, now consolidated under the Gemini umbrella, has been gradual over the past year. With the introduction of Google One AI Premium services, which features Gemini Advanced, a paid tier highlighting the capabilities of its latest large language model, Ultra 1.0, Google is poised to accelerate its product releases.

This premium service, coupled with productivity tools and premium-tier storage plans, showcases Google's commitment to advancing its AI offerings.

Notably, rival browsers have already integrated their own AI chatbots. Microsoft's Copilot chatbot is directly integrated into its Edge browser through a collaboration with OpenAI, while Opera offers AI features in its Opera One and Opera GX browsers, incorporating its proprietary AI system, Aria, along with other integrations.