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Could Chrome Be About to Receive a Game-Changing AI Update?

A new rumor is circulating that Google is working on integrating Gemini Live into Chrome, under the intriguing codename "Glic." According to leaks shared by Leopeva64 on X, Glic will introduce Gemini Live’s AI-powered assistant into Chrome, as revealed through code found in Chromium Gerrit, the platform where Chrome’s development happens.

From what’s been disclosed, Glic appears to be much more than just another Chrome feature. It reportedly comes with its own settings page and requires access to your microphone and location—two major indicators that it’s designed to be an interactive assistant. There are also suggestions that Glic will feature a floating panel or side UI to provide contextual information based on the page you're viewing. Along with hints of a system tray icon, it seems Glic will operate in the background, ready to assist when needed.

Anyone familiar with Google’s Gemini AI knows that it’s a highly capable tool. Imagine having that level of AI integration directly in Chrome. You could simply ask Gemini Live to explain things, perform research, or summarize entire web pages without ever needing to switch tabs. Whether simplifying complex recipes or assisting with online shopping, the possibilities are endless.

The integration could also allow for creative uses. For example, while composing an email, Gemini Live might help adjust your tone. Or if you're navigating a dense legal document, it could simplify the legalese into plain English. This real-world, “make my life easier” functionality could give it an edge over competitors like Microsoft’s Bing Chat in Edge or even standalone tools such as ChatGPT.



The Road Ahead for Glic

To be fair, Google isn’t the first to explore this kind of AI integration. Microsoft has already embedded Bing Chat into Edge, though it’s worth noting that Edge doesn’t boast Chrome’s immense user base. Still, Microsoft’s approach has demonstrated how AI can enhance browsing without overwhelming the experience. Meanwhile, Apple has taken a more cautious approach, keeping its AI functions like Siri confined to its ecosystem rather than expanding them into Safari—a safer but less ambitious method that might not align with Google’s bold vision.

What truly sets Glic apart, however, is its scale. Chrome is the most widely used browser globally, and adding Gemini Live could make AI assistance a mainstream feature accessible to everyone, not just a niche audience. Of course, if Google mishandles this, it could provoke a significant backlash—just look at the reactions when YouTube or Gmail are altered in ways users dislike.

At this stage, the details of Glic remain unclear, but if Google gets it right, it could redefine what browsers are capable of. And if it doesn’t? Well, there’s always Firefox.