Google Chrome to Allow Browsing History Search with Questions
Google Chrome will soon feature a new AI tool allowing users to search their browsing history using natural language questions, focusing on the actual content of visited sites. Additionally, two other AI tools will be introduced.
As Google integrates AI into its services, it's now bringing these capabilities to Chrome. Following the addition of its chatbot, Gemini, to Gmail, Docs, and Calendar, Chrome will get three new AI powered features. One key feature will allow users to ask questions to find specific information in their browsing history.
Searching for a specific webpage from days or weeks ago can be challenging. "We aim to make Chrome history more conversational, so users don't have to remember URLs," says Chrome VP Parisa Tabriz. Users can type natural language queries to find the correct page based on its content. For example, you could ask about the ice cream shop you visited last week. Chrome will use a combination of URL, title, and page content to display the most relevant results, making it easier to find what you're looking for.
In regards to privacy, Google assures that Gemini won't use personal data to train its AI models and will only analyze URLs, titles, and page content. "Browsing history is ultra personal and sensitive data. We prioritize privacy protection," says Tabriz. This feature will be optional and can be disabled at any time. It won't be available in private browsing mode.
Google will also introduce two other AI powered features in Chrome. The first is Google Lens, an image recognition tool previously available only on Android and iOS. With the new Chrome update, Google Lens will be accessible on the web version of the search engine. Users can click the camera icon in the search bar to select, search, and ask questions about anything they see on the web without leaving their current tab.
The second feature is a price comparison tool called Tab Compare. It generates a comparative table of products from multiple tabs using AI, allowing users to compare prices and technical features of several products in one window.
These new features will start rolling out in the U.S. in the coming weeks, with it activated by default. The rollout in Europe may face delays due to regulatory concerns and privacy.