- Google Chrome is rolling out AI-driven updates aimed at enhancing product discovery online.
- The updates will include improved Google Lens functionality, a new Tab Compare feature, and advanced browser history search capabilities.
OUR TAKE
These updates signify a significant enhancement in how users interact with the web, making product searches more intuitive and streamlined. By integrating advanced AI tools, Google aims to improve the efficiency and precision of finding and comparing products, potentially transforming the online shopping experience. The introduction of these features underscores Google’s commitment to leveraging AI to optimise user interactions with digital content.
— Zoey Zhu, BTW reporter
What happened
Google Chrome is set to implement several AI-powered features to improve product searches. The first update will enhance Google Lens, allowing it to function similarly to the Pixel 8’s Circle to Search. Users can select on-screen objects, and Google Search will provide visual matches from a side panel. Multisearch capabilities will enable users to refine searches by attributes like colour and brand, with follow-up questions supported by Gemini for deeper exploration.
Additionally, an AI Overview feature will present relevant information in text format based on user queries. Although briefly tested in Chrome’s beta, it appears ready for a full release. Users will have the option to activate Google Lens via the browser’s icon or through the right-click and three-dot menus.
In the coming weeks, Chrome will also introduce Tab Compare, which allows users to view and compare multiple tabs of similar products in one window with AI-generated descriptions. For instance, it could compare various Bluetooth speakers by displaying key details like price and battery life. An update to browser history search will use generative AI to help users find previously viewed web pages more easily. Instead of manually sifting through links, users can query Chrome to retrieve relevant pages from their browsing history, starting with a rollout in the US.
Also read: Google moves away from plan to drop ad cookies for Chrome users
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Why it’s important
These AI-powered updates represent a significant shift in how users interact with online shopping and browsing. By integrating advanced tools like Google Lens enhancements and Tab Compare, Google aims to streamline the product discovery process, making it more user-friendly and efficient. This can lead to a more intuitive shopping experience, reducing the time and effort needed to find and compare products.
The new browser history search feature will also enhance user convenience by simplifying the retrieval of past web pages, demonstrating a commitment to improving overall browsing efficiency. The phased rollout indicates a strategic approach to introducing these features, ensuring they meet user needs before a broader release.
These innovations could set new standards for AI integration in web browsers, potentially influencing how other tech companies develop similar features. The focus on personalised and context-aware assistance highlights a growing trend towards making digital interactions more seamless and tailored to individual needs.
