January 30, 20266 MIN READ

Chrome Auto Browse: Google's AI Agent That Browses the Web For You

By Learnia Team

Chrome Auto Browse: The Era of Agentic Browsing

On January 28, 2026, Google announced a major update to Gemini in Chrome that transforms the browser into a true autonomous agent. The headline feature: Auto Browse, which can navigate the web and accomplish complex tasks on your behalf.

Official Source

Publication: The new era of browsing: Putting Gemini to work in Chrome - Google Blog, January 28, 2026

Author: Parisa Tabriz, Vice President, Chrome

Master AI Prompting — €20 One-Time

10 ModulesLifetime Access

Get Full Access

Overview of New Features

The update introduces several major improvements for Chrome on MacOS, Windows, and Chromebook Plus:

Feature	Description	Availability
Side Panel	Gemini accessible in a permanent side panel	All Gemini in Chrome users
Nano Banana	Transform images directly in the browser	All Gemini in Chrome users
Connected Apps	Integrations with Gmail, Calendar, YouTube, Maps, Shopping, Flights	All Gemini in Chrome users
Auto Browse	Multi-step agentic navigation	AI Pro and Ultra (USA)
Personal Intelligence	Persistent conversational context	Coming soon

Chrome Auto Browse: How It Works

The Evolution of Autofill

For years, Chrome autofill handled simple tasks: entering your address, filling in credit card info. Auto Browse goes much further: it can take control of navigation to accomplish complex workflows.

Real-World Use Cases

Google testers have used Auto Browse for:

Travel Planning:

→Research hotel and flight costs across multiple dates
→Compare options to find the best value
→Identify the most budget-friendly travel periods

Administrative Tasks:

→Schedule appointments online
→Fill out tedious forms
→Collect tax documents
→Request quotes from contractors (plumbers, electricians)

Financial Management:

→Check if bills are paid
→Submit expense reports
→Manage subscriptions

Official Procedures:

→Renew driver's license

Advanced Use Case: Visual Shopping

The most impressive example demonstrated by Google involves theme-based shopping with multimodal vision:

Scenario: You're planning a Y2K theme party and find an inspiration photo that perfectly captures the era.

What Auto Browse does:

→Visual identification: Gemini 3 analyzes the image to identify objects
→Search: Finds similar items across the web
→Add to cart: Adds found products to your shopping cart
→Budget compliance: Stays within your set limits
→Promo codes: Automatically applies available discounts
→Login handling: Can use Google Password Manager if you authorize it

Security and Control

Google has integrated next-generation defenses against AI agent-related online threats:

Protection Measures

Aspect	Implementation
Sensitive actions	Automatic pause + confirmation request
Purchases	Requires explicit user validation
Social media	Asks permission before any posting
Authentication	Uses Google Password Manager only if authorized
Take control	"Take over task" option to regain control anytime

The "Human in the Loop" Principle

Auto Browse is designed to keep users in the loop. For irreversible or sensitive actions, the system always asks for confirmation before proceeding.

Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP)

Google has co-developed with industry leaders a new open standard for agentic commerce:

Partners:

→Shopify
→Etsy
→Wayfair
→Target

Goal: Enable AI agents to take actions on behalf of users seamlessly and securely across the entire e-commerce web.

Other New Features

Enhanced Side Panel

The new side panel enables:

→Multitasking without interruption
→Comparing options across multiple tabs
→Summarizing product reviews from different sites
→Managing even chaotic calendars

Nano Banana in Chrome

Transform images directly in the browser:

→No need to download/re-upload
→No need to open another tab
→Ideal for decoration inspiration
→Transform research data into infographics

Connected Apps

Deep integrations with the Google ecosystem:

→Gmail: Retrieve relevant emails
→Calendar: Smart scheduling
→YouTube: Video context
→Maps: Geographic information
→Google Shopping: Product comparisons
→Google Flights: Flight recommendations

Personal Intelligence (Coming Soon)

In the coming months, Chrome will integrate Personal Intelligence:

Feature	Description
Conversational memory	Chrome remembers context from past conversations
Personalized responses	Answers adapted to your profile
Proactive assistance	Contextual and anticipatory help
Full control	Connect/disconnect apps anytime
Custom instructions	Add your preferences to Gemini

Availability

Element	Details
Platforms	MacOS, Windows, Chromebook Plus
Auto Browse	AI Pro and Ultra subscribers (USA only)
Side Panel & Nano Banana	All Gemini in Chrome users
Personal Intelligence	Coming in the next few months

Implications for the Future

Chrome Auto Browse represents the beginning of what Google calls "the era of the agentic web". Browsers will no longer be simple passive tools for displaying web pages, but active assistants capable of accomplishing tasks on your behalf.

Potential Benefits

→Time savings: Repetitive tasks are automated
→Error reduction: AI fills out forms precisely
→Exhaustive comparison: Analysis of many options in parallel
→Accessibility: Help for users who struggle with complex web interfaces

Open Questions

→Impact on websites that depend on user engagement
→Evolution of anti-bot strategies
→Privacy of navigation data
→Competition with competing AI agents

Conclusion

Chrome Auto Browse is probably the most significant Chrome update in years. Google is shifting from a traditional browser to an AI agent platform capable of acting in the real world of the web. With the Universal Commerce Protocol and partnerships with e-commerce giants, adoption could be rapid.

For US users subscribed to Google AI Pro or Ultra, it's the chance to discover what web browsing will look like tomorrow.

🚀 Ready to Master AI Agents?

Want to learn how to effectively use AI agents like Chrome Auto Browse, Claude Cowork, and other agentic AI tools? Our comprehensive training modules cover everything from basic prompting to advanced automation workflows.

Start with Module 0: AI Fundamentals — Learn the foundations of working with AI agents, including prompt engineering, safety best practices, and workflow optimization.

📚 Explore Our Training Modules | Start Module 0

Related Articles: