New Gemini side panel and auto browse in Chrome
TL;DR
Chrome updates include a new side panel for multitasking, image editing with Nano Banana, and a preview of auto browse for task automation.
What changed
Google released a new Gemini side panel inside Chrome on January 28, 2026. The panel supports multitasking, deeper integration with Google apps, and image edits powered by the Nano Banana model. A preview of auto browse also launched to let users automate web tasks while staying in control.
The features run on Gemini 3 in the United States for Windows, macOS, and Chromebook Plus devices. Access requires a Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription. Workspace business and education accounts remain excluded for now.
Why it matters
This move pulls Gemini directly into the browser where most Vibe Builders already spend their time. It reduces the need to copy content between tabs and separate AI windows. The bet is that keeping context inside Chrome will increase daily usage over standalone apps.
Auto browse in preview signals Google wants to handle repetitive web actions. That directly competes with browser extensions and simple Zapier zaps that many solo operators rely on today. If the preview improves, it could replace several small automation steps.
How to use it
Open Chrome on a supported device in the United States and sign in with a Google AI Pro or Ultra account. Look for the Gemini icon in the toolbar to open the side panel. Select an image on any page to test Nano Banana edits.
Auto browse appears as an option inside the panel during the current preview. Try short tasks first, such as pulling data from a list of sites, then review every step before approving.
Watch for
Confirm the bet if auto browse handles multi-step research flows without constant oversight. The bet breaks if the preview stays limited to simple clicks or requires frequent corrections. Expect Google to expand the same panel controls to Workspace accounts next.
Harsh’s take
For a solo Vibe Builder the side panel mainly saves tab switching during research and light editing. The real limit is that auto browse still sits behind paid plans and only works in the U.S. right now. That creates a clear trade-off: you gain speed inside Chrome but lose portability if your work spans multiple regions or free accounts.
Most operators will still need Zapier or Make for anything that touches non-Google services. The preview does not yet replace those tools for reliable, scheduled runs.
Test the panel on one recurring research task this week and measure time saved before committing more workflows to it.
by Harsh Desai
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