Google Ditches Subscription Requirement for Gemini AI Assistant in Chrome
In a significant move, Google has begun rolling out its Gemini AI assistant to all Chrome desktop users on both Windows and Mac, eliminating the need for an AI Pro or AI Ultra subscription. The change comes after the tool's introduction at IO 2025, where it was initially only accessible with a paid subscription.
According to Google, users can now access Gemini by tapping a new sparkle icon at the top of the Chrome interface, provided they have their language set to English and live in the US. This marks a significant shift towards making AI-powered tools more accessible to the general public.
"We're excited to bring Gemini to all our users," said a Google spokesperson. "Our goal is to make AI more intuitive and user-friendly, and this change is an important step towards achieving that."
Gemini's capabilities have also been enhanced since its introduction. The tool can now work across multiple tabs, allowing it to compare and summarize information from different websites. Additionally, Gemini can access users' browsing history thanks to a new recall feature, which can be helpful in situations where users can't quite remember where they saw something online.
The integration of Gemini into Chrome has sparked interest among experts and users alike. "This is a significant development in the field of AI-powered tools," said Dr. Rachel Kim, an AI researcher at Stanford University. "By making Gemini more accessible, Google is taking a major step towards democratizing access to AI technology."
Gemini's availability on smartphones is also being expanded. On Android devices, users can access the tool by holding down their phone's power button. Meanwhile, Google is working on bringing the assistant to the Chrome app on iOS.
The move has implications for society as a whole. As AI-powered tools become more accessible, they have the potential to revolutionize the way people interact with information and each other. "This is an exciting time for AI research," said Dr. Kim. "We're seeing significant advancements in areas like natural language processing and computer vision."
As of now, Gemini is available to all Chrome desktop users on Windows and Mac. Google has not announced a specific timeline for the tool's availability on iOS devices.
Background:
Gemini was first introduced at IO 2025 as an AI-powered assistant integrated into Chrome. Initially, it required an AI Pro or AI Ultra subscription to access. Since its introduction, Google has made several enhancements to Gemini's capabilities, including the ability to work across multiple tabs and access browsing history.
Additional Perspectives:
The move towards making Gemini more accessible has sparked debate among experts. Some argue that this will lead to a more equitable distribution of AI technology, while others worry about potential biases in the tool's training data.
As Google continues to roll out Gemini to all Chrome users, it remains to be seen how this development will shape the future of AI-powered tools and their impact on society.
*Reporting by Engadget.*
