Google Chrome, the widely-used web browser, is set to undergo a transformative update with the introduction of three experimental generative AI features. The release, named Chrome M121, brings these features aimed at enhancing user experience and personalization. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Grouping Tabs More Smartly
The Tab Organizer feature is designed to streamline the management of multiple tabs. While tab groups have been helpful, organizing them manually has been at times somewhat cumbersome. With Tab Organizer, Chrome is designed to automatically suggest and create tab groups based on available open tabs. To use this feature, right-click on a tab and select “Organize Similar Tabs” or click the drop-down arrow beside tabs. Chrome will even suggest names and emojis for the new tab groups, making it easier to identify and come back to during more productive situations.
New Custom Themes on the Spot
Chrome is taking personalization a step further by integrating generative AI into theme creation. Users can now move away from the typical defaults and generate custom themes based on their preferences for subject, mood, visual style, and color. This feature eliminates the need for users to be AI prompt experts, making it accessible to a much wider set of casual users. To create a custom theme, users can visit the “Customize Chrome” side panel, click “Change Theme,” and then select “Create with AI.”
Comprehensive Writing in an Instant?
Chrome is also scheduled to introduce a brand new AI-powered writing assistance feature. By right-clicking on a text box or field on any site visited in Chrome and selecting “Help me write,” users can kickstart the writing process. The AI will provide suggestions and generate a sort of draft based on the user’s input. At least according to the announcement, it is on the level of being able to do restaurant reviews or formal inquiries online. Would this truly simplify writing tasks by itself? We’ll have to wait and see.
Activating the Features
These experimental features can be activated by signing into Chrome, navigating to “Settings” from the three-dot menu, and selecting the “Experimental AI” page. After that, relaunch your browser. You can then visit the respective menu pages related to the new features. It’s important to note that, due to their experimental nature, these features will initially be disabled for enterprise and educational accounts.
As for when we can expect the update, it is scheduled for release very soon after the announcement. Users can check and update their Chrome version later by clicking the three vertical dots in the top-right corner, selecting “Settings,” and then choosing “About Chrome.”
Google’s move to integrate generative AI features into Chrome reflects the company’s dedication to step up into the AI game. In comparison to Microsoft, which introduced AI features in Edge last year, Google is still playing catch-up in integrating generative AI into its browser. However, with Chrome commanding a significant global market share, the release of the M121 update should have a considerable impact on its current AI status, depending on how well the update is received.
