In a significant move to bolster the functionality of its widely-used Chrome browser, Google has unveiled three new artificial intelligence (AI) features for the desktop version of Chrome. These updates, which aim to enhance user experience by offering more convenience and efficiency, underscore Google’s ongoing commitment to integrating AI into its product offerings. The new features include the introduction of Google Lens for desktop, an AI-driven comparison shopping tool, and a natural language browser history search.
Google Lens Comes to Desktop
Google Lens, a feature that has been available on mobile devices since 2017, is now making its way to the desktop version of Chrome. This tool allows users to search Google Images by simply clicking on an object within an image. A new Lens icon will appear in the address bar, enabling this functionality.
In addition to the basic object search, users can now highlight specific parts of an image by dragging a box over them. This feature, which Google suggests could be particularly useful for students, allows users to search for information about a specific item or section within an image. For example, students watching a mathematics lecture can use this tool to get help with a particular equation.
Moreover, once a part of an image has been searched, users can leverage the existing multisearch feature to ask follow-up questions via Gemini, Google’s AI assistant. For instance, after identifying a plant using Google Lens, users can then ask Gemini for detailed care instructions for that plant.
AI-Powered Comparison Shopping
The second major feature announced is an AI-driven tool designed to simplify comparison shopping. Recognising the frustration of switching between multiple tabs to compare products, Google’s new feature will allow users to generate a comprehensive comparison table. This table will display images, pricing, user reviews, and summaries of similar products across all open tabs, consolidated onto a single page.
Initially available only to users in the United States, this feature promises to streamline the shopping experience, particularly for those comparing items such as phone cases or Bluetooth speakers. Google envisions this feature eventually expanding to other areas such as travel planning and university selection, although it will begin with shopping, which is seen as more immediately monetisable.
Natural Language Browser History Search
The third feature aims to revolutionise how users interact with their browser history. Instead of remembering specific URLs, users can now use natural language queries to search their history. For example, a user might ask, “What was that ice cream shop I looked at last week?” and Chrome will pull up all matching sites.
This AI-powered search functionality is designed to exclude sites browsed in incognito mode, maintaining a level of privacy for users. Google has also assured users that their browsing history will not be used to train Gemini, the AI model underpinning this feature. It will be an opt-in feature, requiring users to enable it via their settings under ‘History search, powered by AI’.
Rollout and Availability
The introduction of these features marks a significant enhancement in Chrome’s capabilities. Google Lens for desktop is set to launch globally with the latest Chrome update, which will roll out over the next few days. The AI-driven comparison shopping and natural language history search features, however, will initially be available only to users in the United States. While the comparison shopping tool, referred to as ‘tab compare’ by Google, does not yet have a set release date, the AI-powered history search is expected to launch in the coming weeks.
All three features rely on cloud-based AI models, rather than the native computing power of users’ devices, ensuring a seamless and efficient user experience.
Google’s latest updates to Chrome demonstrate the company’s ongoing effort to integrate advanced AI capabilities into everyday tools. By enhancing image search, simplifying comparison shopping, and revolutionising browser history searches, these new features are poised to significantly improve the user experience on Chrome desktop. As AI continues to evolve, users can expect even more innovative features aimed at making digital interactions more intuitive and efficient.
