Google Adding AI to Chrome Browser

BY WILL SWARTS

Google is integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)  features into its Chrome web browser to help users choose AI-generated themes, organize multiple tabs, and get some AI-powered writing help. An experimental version of these capabilities launches today.

In a blog post Tuesday, Parisa Tabriz, Google's vice president for its Chrome browser, said the new features will be available in the M121 version of the popular browser. The aim is to make AI more accessible, allowing users to benefit from AI capabilities without requiring a degree in computer science.

"Our philosophy continues to be focused on implementing AI/ML is to help solve real user pain points, and do it in an approachable/easy-to-use way," Tabriz wrote. "You don't have to be an expert to get started using AI in Chrome."

While some of the touted features seem less vital than others, the underlying tech appears easy to use. Tabriz uses an example in which fans of the Northern Lights can visit the "Customize Chrome" side panel, click "Change theme" and then "Create with AI" to display the search term aurora borealis in an "animated" style with a "serene" mood. The company offered a gallery of themes selected by the Chrome team.

Users who keep multiple tabs open can get help from AI in organizing those tabs into related groups. And for people who are staring at a blank screen, unable to get typing, next month will see the "Help me Write" feature included in Chrome. This may be the feature that gets some of the swiftest adoption.

While Tabriz's post is a pretty straightforward listing of new bells and whistles for folks spending lots of time online, it does contain a truth deeply felt by everyone from the loftiest CEO to the humblest tech journalist: "Writing on the web can be daunting, especially if you want to articulate your thoughts on public spaces or forums."

Photo Credit: Google.