Google updates Gemini in Chrome with a new side panel, an auto browse feature that can navigate pages and take actions for AI Pro and AI Ultra users, and more

ZDNET's key takeaways — Google Chrome is being upgraded with Gemini 3 and a revamped sidepanel UX.

ZDNET 2026-01-29 Kyle Kucharski

Context & Ripple Effects

Chrome’s Gemini rollout has progressed from a desktop Gemini button and AI Mode toward an in-browser assistant that can act across pages. That extends Google’s earlier plan to add agentic Chrome features rather than treating the browser as a standalone chat entry point.

The change also places Chrome in Google’s wider Gemini distribution system: Gemini 3 became the default model in AI Overviews and supports follow-up queries in AI Mode, while Gemini 3 Pro had already been integrated into the Gemini app and Search’s conversational mode.

First-order effects

AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers gain a redesigned Chrome side panel and auto-browse capability, moving Gemini from page-level assistance toward navigation and actions within the browser.
Google makes Chrome a more prominent surface for Gemini 3, tying a premium AI offering directly to everyday web use.

Second-order effects

Browser rivals and AI-assistant providers face more pressure to pair conversational interfaces with reliable page navigation and task execution, not just search summaries or sidebar chat.
Websites may see more interactions initiated or completed through an agentic browser layer, increasing the importance of how their pages handle automated navigation and user-authorized actions.

Third-order effects

If these capabilities become broadly trusted, the browser can evolve into an agentic work surface where the assistant mediates more of the path from finding information to completing tasks.
The premium-only launch suggests that advanced browser automation may initially serve as a subscription differentiator; wider adoption will depend on whether Google can make agent actions dependable enough for routine use.

The trend: This is part of the shift from AI as a search or chat feature toward embedded agents that operate inside the software where users already work.

Discussion

@google @google on x
We're introducing major updates to Gemini in @GoogleChrome for MacOS, Windows and Chromebook Plus. Built on Gemini 3, our most intelligent model, these powerful new AI features can help you multitask more easily and get the most out of the web 🧵 [video]
@joshwoodward Josh Woodward on x
Big updates on Gemini in Chrome today: + New side panel access (Control+G) + Runs in the background, so you can switch tabs + Quickly edit images with Nano Banana + Auto Browse for multi-step tasks (Preview) + Works on Mac, Windows, Chromebook Plus I'm using it multiple times [vi…
@_philschmid Philipp Schmid on x
Gemini 3 in Chrome! ✨ Gemini can now auto browse, see multiple tabs and take actions on your behalf. We're releasing it at first for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the US. Also New: - Side panel, History recall + chat history + @ tabs mentions. - Direct Nano Banana [video…
@laparisa Parisa Tabriz on x
Today we're launching another major @googlechrome update that helps people browse smarter with #Gemini3! Highlights include: 🤹🏻 Side panel UX for better multitasking 🍌 Nano Banana integration to transform images on the web ✅ More Google app integrations to help you get things [vi…
@glenngabe Glenn Gabe on x
Chrome with agentic capabilities. Yet another step towards Jarvis -> Google updates Gemini in Chrome with a new side panel, an auto browse feature that can navigate pages and take actions for AI Pro and AI Ultra users, and more “Auto Browse is a bit like autopilot for the web, [i…
@addyosmani Addy Osmani on x
Announcing big changes to Gemini in Chrome - agentic browsing with Auto-browse, Nano Banana & more! 🚀 [video]
@rosterloh Rick Osterloh on x
Some big news! We're bringing Gemini 3 into Chrome to make it even more helpful and proactive than ever. Here's what we're rolling out today: 1) Multitask Smarter: A reimagined side panel lets you multitask across tabs 2) Nano Banana: Edit and transform images without leaving [vi…
@krynsky Mark Krynsky on x
This is HUGE! I've been waiting a long time for this update allowing more integration and browser automation using Gemini in Chrome. I can't wait to test this out and compare to all the other tools I've been using. More info here: https://blog.google/...
@alexeheath Alex Heath on x
someone check on Perplexity
@marygillis Mary Gillis on bluesky
I do love that the best use they could come up with for this supposedly Earth-shattering technology would save you the minute or less you'd spend checking your email for the receipt for a piece of clothing you bought before. [embedded post]
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