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Google Adds Gemini and Nano Banana to Chrome’s New Side Panel

Discover how Google’s 2026 Chrome update brings the Gemini AI assistant and Nano Banana image generator into a convenient side panel, enabling multi‑tab conversations and visual shopping assistance.
28 January 2026 by
TechStora Editorial Board

What’s New in Chrome

Google has introduced a dedicated Gemini side‑panel that can be opened with a single click on the new Gemini icon in the browser’s top‑right corner.

How the Gemini Side Panel Works

The panel stays attached to the tab it was opened from, allowing independent Gemini sessions for each tab. When multiple tabs originate from the same page, Chrome can link them to a shared Gemini conversation.

Introducing Nano Banana

Nano Banana, Gemini’s image‑generation add‑on, is now built into the side‑panel, giving users visual feedback directly within Chrome.

Benefits for Users

  • Quick access to Gemini without opening a new tab.
  • Multi‑tab AI conversations for streamlined workflows.
  • Image‑based assistance for shopping, design, and more via Nano Banana.
  • Seamless integration across Chrome’s existing features.