A rumor has spread that Google is working on merging Gemini Live into Chrome under the codename Glic, Gemini Live into Chrome. Shared on
Based on what Leopeva64 shared, Glic seems to be more than just another Chrome feature. It has its own settings page and needs access to your microphone and location, two big clues that it's some sort of interactive assistant. There's also talk of a floating panel or side UI that could offer context on any page you're on. Add the suggestions to an icon in your system tray and Glic will appear to run silently in the background, ready to step in when you need help.
If you've ever used Google's Gemini AI, you'll know that it's a pretty powerful tool. Imagine having that kind of assistant built right into Chrome. You wouldn't need to move between tabs to search; You can simply ask Gemini Live to explain things, investigate data, or summarize entire web pages. You can simplify complicated recipes and even manage your purchases online.
There is also a way to get creative with integration. Picture this: You're writing an email and Gemini Live helps you adjust the tone. Or you're reading a dense legal document that breaks down jargon into plain English. That's the kind of real-world “make my life easier” functionality that could set it apart from competitors like Microsoft's Bing Chat in Edge or even standalone tools like ChatGPT.
Over a month ago I saw Google working on a new feature for Chrome codenamed “Glic”, which COULD BE Gemini Live in Chrome, well this feature will have its own page in Settings with various options, here's a first look at this new page. : pic.twitter.com/5CTRcaGtRZDecember 23, 2024
Glic towards the future
To be fair, Google isn't the first to try this kind of thing. Microsoft has already integrated Bing Chat into Edge, although let's face it: Edge doesn't exactly have Chrome's huge user base. Still, it shows how AI can improve a browser without taking control. On the other hand, Apple has been much more conservative, keeping Siri and AI features largely within its ecosystem rather than integrating them into Safari. It's a safer and less invasive approach, but perhaps too cautious for Google's liking.
What makes Glic so different is the scale. Chrome is the most popular browser in the world and the introduction of Gemini Live here could make AI assistance a universal experience beyond any specific audience. Of course, a misstep here could trigger a backlash—think of the uproar over changes to YouTube or Gmail every time Google tweaks something users don't like.
For now, Glic remains a mystery, but if Google gets it right, it could set a new standard for what a browser can do. And if not? Well, I guess there's always Firefox.
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