Google Chrome is set to introduce a new feature that will allow users to ask questions about their browsing history in natural language. The feature, which will be available on the desktop version of Chrome in the US, uses Google’s large language models to provide relevant results from a user’s browsing history.
According to Parisa Tabriz, vice president of Chrome, the goal is to introduce a more conversational interface to Chrome’s history, making it easier for users to find what they’re looking for without having to remember URLs. The feature will be opt-in by default and will not work with websites browsed in Incognito mode.
Google is also aware of the potential implications of having its AI parse through users’ browsing history. Tabriz emphasized that the company does not directly use browsing history or tabs to train its large language models, and that it is committed to prioritizing user privacy.
In addition to the new history feature, Google is introducing two other AI-powered features to Chrome. Google Lens, which is already available on mobile devices, will now be available on the desktop version of Chrome in the US. This feature allows users to select and search for information on web pages without leaving their current tab.
Users can activate Google Lens by clicking on its icon on the address bar and selecting an item on a web page. The feature can identify images, parse text within videos, and provide AI-generated information about the selected item.
Google is also introducing Tab Compare, a feature that provides an AI-generated overview of products across multiple tabs in a single place. This feature is designed to make it easier for users to compare products and make informed decisions without having to switch between multiple tabs.
While Tab Compare is currently restricted to products, Tabriz imagines a future where the feature could be expanded to allow users to compare other types of information, such as schools, universities, or daycares.
