Chrome is No Longer Just a Browser: Gemini Will Turn it Into an AI Assistant
Chrome may soon become a full-fledged hub for AI interaction. Instead of relying on traditional extensions, Google is testing deep integration of its Gemini neural network directly into the browser's interface. The experiment, uncovered in the Chrome Canary build, signals a major shift in the company’s strategy — transforming the browser into a universal AI companion.
In the latest update to the Canary test version, developers discovered a component codenamed GLIC (Gemini Live in Chrome). Unlike previous AI integrations, this system isn’t limited to a control panel or hidden menus. According to TechPulse, enabling the feature adds a dynamic Gemini icon next to the window controls, turning the AI into a constant companion for the user.
The new feature introduces a hybrid approach to AI interaction:
- System tray – Quick access to Gemini even when the browser is minimized;
- Floating module – A dialog window that retains the context of your tabs;
- Contextual analysis – The ability to request analysis of open pages without copying text.
Insiders suggest that GLIC will eventually learn to anticipate user queries — for example, offering a news summary when visiting a media site or automatically generating key takeaways from lengthy documents. For now, the feature is only available in Canary and requires manual activation through chrome://flags. However, the code contains references to future synchronization with Google Workspace — suggesting that Gemini may soon be able to edit documents or create presentations directly within the browser window.