While AI tools are integrated into our browsers one by one, another new news shook the agenda: Gemini on Chrome!
Get ready, because AI-powered search is about to get a serious upgrade within your Chrome browser. It’s no longer just a rumor Google is actively integrating Gemini Advanced, its own remarkable language model.
Chrome is trying to catch Edge’s AI success and this follows Microsoft’s bold move to incorporate Copilot into Edge.
You can use Gemini on Chrome now
While Gemini isn’t yet front-and-center in Chrome, the functionality already exists! With a few tweaks in your developer versions of Chrome, you can unlock and interact with the AI directly from your address bar. This is an exciting sign that a full, seamless integration is on the horizon.
Google recently unveiled Gemini 1.5, boasting even greater capabilities and speed, further cementing its commitment to advancing this AI-powered experience.
How to enable Gemini on Chrome Canary
Ready to take Gemini for a test drive? Here’s how to activate the currently hidden feature, Gemini on Chrome (note that this works on Chrome Canary, the bleeding-edge development version):
- Make sure Chrome Canary is updated: Open Chrome Canary and go to chrome://settings/help to verify you’re on the latest version
- Activate the flag: Load chrome://flags/#omnibox-starter-pack-expansion in the address bar. Switch the “Expansion pack for the Site search starter pack” feature to Enabled
- Restart: A quick Chrome restart will apply the change
You may download Chrome Canary using the link here.
How to chat with Gemini on Chrome
Now the fun begins! To chat with Gemini on Chrome:
- Type “@” in the address bar: You’ll see several options, including “Chat with Gemini“
- Select that option and enter your text prompt in the address bar. Hit Enter to submit your query to Gemini
To get the most out of Gemini on Chrome, make sure you’re signed into your Google account. This may be required for it to personalize responses and function correctly.
Keep in mind that the Chrome integration is still a work in progress. You might run into the occasional glitch or unexpected behavior – that’s totally normal at this stage of development.
Because your search queries are being sent directly to the Gemini website when using this integration, it’s worth considering the implications for data privacy. Think about the information you share with Gemini as it continues to learn and evolve.
Is Google Gemini AI free to use in Chrome?
If you enable the experimental Gemini on Chrome feature, it seems like you’ll be able to access a free version of Gemini. This version will have limitations on how much you can use it and the complexity of responses it generates.
It’s unclear if and when a paid subscription to Gemini Advanced will be integrated directly into Chrome. If it does happen, it’s likely that you would need the subscription to access the full power of the AI within the browser.
Why the uncertainty?
Google is still actively developing the Chrome integration of Gemini. Pricing models and feature availability could change as this integration matures.
The best way to get the most accurate, up-to-date information is to keep track of the following resources:
AI arms race
Google’s move to embed Gemini into Chrome has wide-reaching implications. Imagine the seamless convenience this integration will create, transforming how we search and interact with information online. This is a major step as AI continues to reshape our digital experiences.
While Chrome users will soon enjoy Gemini’s benefits, this is just one battle in the larger AI arms race. Mozilla is also in the early stages of developing trustworthy AI for Firefox. Whether you’re excited or wary, there’s no denying this: the browsers of the future will be heavily infused with AI in ways we are only beginning to understand.
Featured image credit: Growtika/Unsplash.
