UK users just got Google Gemini in Chrome – adding these 5 key upgrades
And coming to iOS in an August update, too
by Mike Lowe · T3
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Quick Summary
After the initial rollout in the USA, the UK has now received the integrated Gemini AI agent in Google's Chrome desktop browser.
This adds voice chat, ability to summarise pages, compare data points, and prompt Calendar, Maps and Gmail for contextual answers – without leaving your active Chrome tab.
Chrome users in the UK just got a Gemini upgrade for the desktop app – following an earlier rollout in the USA.
The addition of Gemini to the browser brings artificial intelligence (AI) benefits to the user experience and interaction with the browser.
The update will also roll out to Apple's iOS Chrome app some time in August, so iPhone users will also gain benefit.
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But what exactly does this Chrome update actually bring? Here's a breakdown of the 5 key benefits:
Gemini in Chrome: Help right where you need it - YouTube
One Tab
You can continue to use Chrome as usual, with as many tabs as you wish, but Google's "zero-tab workspace" approach means you can summon Gemini via the icon to the upper right of the browser, even ask it to peek into other tabs to bring contextualised answers – without the need to leave your current tab.
The "side panel" to the right side of the page will pop up, negating the need to toggle between tabs, which is where you can interact with Gemini directly – and see your recent query history, as relevant.
Voice Control
Google Gemini is able to operate with text prompts, but a key part of use is with voice. Now that Gemini "lives" in Chrome – via that top-right browser icon, opening the side panel once clicked – you can also summon the AI agent by voice.
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Whether you want to summarise an article, compare data points from multiple tabs, query a YouTube video's content without watching, all of this is possible – again, without leaving your current tab.
Connected Apps
As Chrome is part of the suite of Google apps, the addition of Gemini can be given permissions for cross-app context, too. Whether you're using Google's Maps, Calendar or Gmail, your AI assistant can natively look into those apps for contextual answers, when prompted.
This could mean you compose an email by voice, review it and send it to the relevant party without even opening the separate Gmail tab. Or using Maps to add a location to a Calendar meeting by merely asking Gemini directly.
Imaging
Gemini also integrates its Nano Banana 2 model – used for image creation and manipulation – meaning you can request visual results directly within your current tab. Simply text prompt or use your voice for image-based results.
Personal Protections
Now that Gemini can automate a variety of tasks for you – whether sending that email, posting to social media, or even purchasing products – it's also added personal protections in a "pause and prompt" way, always asking for additional verification before finishing a task.