Google's Chrome Browser Gets an AI Assistant for Office Work

At its Google Cloud Next event, Google announced a significant shift for its Chrome browser, transforming it into an active AI assistant for corporate users. A new 'auto browse' feature, powered by Gemini, will allow the browser to interpret the context of open tabs and execute tasks such as scheduling, data entry, and vendor comparisons.

Google positions the tool as a way to accelerate routine web-based work. An employee could, for example, have information from a document automatically populated into a CRM, or compile data from a competitor's site. The system requires human approval before finalizing any action, a design choice meant to maintain oversight while aiming to reclaim time for more complex projects.

This move is part of a broader integration of AI into Workspace. The feature, launching first for U.S. Workspace customers, will let users save frequent processes as reusable 'Skills.' Google states that organizational data and prompts will not be used to train its public AI models.

Alongside the new assistant, Google is enhancing security controls within Chrome Enterprise Premium. The company is introducing tools to detect the use of unsanctioned AI services and compromised browser extensions, a capability it labels 'Shadow IT risk detection.' This provides IT departments with a clearer view of all generative AI and SaaS usage across their networks. The update also includes AI-summarized release notes for administrators and an expanded partnership with Okta to bolster session security.

Source: TechCrunch