Google has just seriously upped its game, fully baking AI directly into Chrome’s desktop browser with the introduction of AI Mode in the address bar.
Following the buzz from last month’s Gemini in Chrome update, the latest version 145 rolls out a redesigned Omnibox that makes AI tools incredibly accessible.
If you remember, AI Mode used to live as a straightforward button on the right side of the address bar, simply sending your text queries off to the AI assistant.
Now, things are much slicker. A new “plus” menu has been integrated on the left, a design choice that mirrors the official google.com/ai interface. Clicking this menu expands into a sophisticated prompt box, complete with helpful hints like “Ask anything,” “Describe your image,” and “Research anything.” Visually, it’s framed by a distinctive, vibrant four-colour glow.
This expanded integration is a big deal because it allows users to share the contents of their most recent tabs directly with AI Mode. This unlocks powerful, contextual features: think instantly summarising an in-depth article, asking targeted questions about open pages, or generating insightful analysis based on everything you’re currently viewing.
The menu itself is now a comprehensive toolkit, featuring options such as Add image, Add file, Tools, Create Images (Nano Banana), Deep Search, the choice between Gemini 3 models (Auto and Pro), and the recent addition this week of Canvas as a new creative tool.
The move dramatically simplifies access to Gemini’s capabilities, eliminating the need to switch contexts, whether your current task involves research, content creation, or simply getting instant answers about what’s displayed on your screen.
This update, though implemented subtly, is a significant marker of Google’s strategic focus: making AI a seamless, native component of everyday web browsing. With AI Mode now fundamentally built into Chrome itself, the browser is rapidly transforming into a single, cohesive hub where the functions of search, productivity, and creativity finally converge in a unified and intuitive manner.
