Gemini in Chrome no longer requires a subscription (www.engadget.com)

Google is removing the paywall for Gemini in Chrome: the browser assistant is rolling out to all Chrome desktop users in the US with English set as their language (look for a sparkle icon). Mobile access is available on Android via the power button, with iOS support coming later. Since I/O, Gemini in Chrome has gained multi-tab capabilities (compare and summarize across sites), a recall feature that searches your browsing history by prompt, and deeper integrations with Calendar, YouTube and Maps (schedule meetings, generate video timestamps, etc.). The update also tightens security and convenience: Google is deploying Gemini Nano to bolster Chrome’s Enhanced Protection and will soon use it to spot fake-virus/giveaway scams, plus an algorithm that learns permission-granting habits to surface fewer intrusive prompts. Chrome’s password manager will get an AI-assisted one-click credential update for select sites (Coursera, Duolingo, Spotify to start). Looking ahead, Google plans agentic features (Project Mariner lineage) so Gemini can complete tasks like shopping on Instacart—an area where other web agents have struggled—while stressing gradual, experimental rollout. Expect the new features to arrive over a few days and note the privacy/permission trade-offs implied by history access and deeper service integrations.