Highlights
- New visual search with Google Lens shortcut in Chrome’s address bar
- AI-powered history search allows natural language queries for past pages
- Tab Compare feature helps users compare information across multiple tabs
- Features rolling out globally and in the US over the coming weeks
Google is rolling out new AI-powered features to its desktop Chrome browser, aiming to make browsing more efficient and user-friendly.
These updates include an improved visual search function, a conversational search experience for browsing history, and a tab comparison tool.
Enhanced Visual Search
Chrome now offers a Google Lens shortcut in the address bar, similar to the Circle to Search feature on Android.
This upgraded visual search allows users to refine queries and ask follow-up questions thanks to multimodal Multisearch.
Users can select text, images, and videos on a page using a “Drag to search” gesture, with object recognition and text translation capabilities.
This feature is rolling out globally in the coming days.
The new Google Lens integration goes beyond simple image searches.
It allows users to interact with web content in more dynamic ways, such as asking for products in different colors or translating text directly on a webpage.
The tool appears in multiple locations for easy access: in the address bar, the overflow menu, and the right-click context menu.
This ubiquity ensures that users can quickly access visual search capabilities whenever they need them.
AI-Powered History Search and Tab Comparison
Google is integrating AI into Chrome’s browsing history, enabling users to find previously visited pages using natural language queries.
For example, users can ask, “Where was that ice cream shop I looked at last week?”
Chrome will analyze browsing history, including page titles and URLs, to surface the relevant page.
This opt-in feature will launch in the US in the coming weeks.
Additionally, a new Tab Compare feature will allow users to compare information across multiple tabs.
Initially focusing on product comparisons, Chrome will generate AI overviews to assist with comparison shopping.
This feature is set to launch in the US in the next few weeks, with plans to expand to other areas in the future.
The AI-powered history search is particularly noteworthy as it addresses a common frustration among users – remembering and locating previously visited websites.
By allowing natural language queries, Google is making it easier for users to retrieve information without remembering exact search terms or URLs.
The Tab Compare feature, while initially focused on product comparisons, has the potential to expand into other areas such as travel planning or research, offering users AI-generated summaries to help make informed decisions more quickly.
These new features demonstrate Google’s commitment to leveraging AI to improve the browsing experience, making it easier for users to find information and make informed decisions while online.
FAQs
What is the new visual search feature in Google Chrome?
The new visual search feature includes a Google Lens shortcut in the address bar, enabling users to refine queries and ask follow-up questions using multimodal Multisearch.
How does the AI-powered history search work in Chrome?
The AI-powered history search allows users to find previously visited pages using natural language queries, analyzing browsing history, page titles, and URLs to surface relevant pages.
What is the Tab Compare feature in Google Chrome?
The Tab Compare feature helps users compare information across multiple tabs, initially focusing on product comparisons, with AI-generated overviews to assist with shopping decisions.
When will the new AI features be available in Google Chrome?
The visual search feature is rolling out globally in the coming days, while the AI-powered history search and Tab Compare feature will launch in the US in the next few weeks.
Do I need to opt-in for the AI-powered history search feature?
Yes, the AI-powered history search feature is an opt-in feature that users can enable to take advantage of natural language queries for their browsing history.
Also Read: Google Bard Expands Globally with Gemini Pro and Launches New Image Generation Feature
Also Read: Google Gemini Update Brings Automatic Voice Commands, To Expand to Headphones