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Google Chrome Gets AI Boost with Gemini 3: Side Panel, Nano Banana, and Connected Apps

Google rebuilds Chrome around Gemini 3, adding a persistent AI side panel, in‑browser image editing (Nano Banana), and Connected Apps that pull data from Gmail, Drive, and Maps.
28 January 2026 by
TechStora Editorial Board

What’s New in Chrome

Google is transforming Chrome from a static web‑browser into a proactive AI assistant powered by Gemini 3. The changes roll out to Windows, macOS, and Chromebook Plus users in the United States.

Persistent AI Side Panel

A redesigned side panel keeps Gemini visible while you work in any tab. You can ask the assistant to summarize reviews, compare products, or organize your schedule without leaving the page.

  • Stay in the same tab while getting AI‑driven insights.
  • Quickly switch between browsing and assistance.
  • Reduces tab overload and mental clutter.

Nano Banana: In‑Browser Image Editing

Named “Nano Banana,” this feature lets you edit and transform images directly in Chrome using simple text prompts. No need to download, edit in another app, and re‑upload.

  • Change visuals with natural‑language commands.
  • Instant preview inside the side panel.
  • Speeds up creative workflows.

Connected Apps for Seamless Workflows

Gemini can pull data from Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Maps, allowing a single conversational thread to handle complex tasks across Google services.

  • Draft emails with context from your inbox.
  • Extract files from Drive without leaving the tab.
  • Get location‑based suggestions using Maps data.

Why This Matters for Power Users

Power users gain a more mature browsing experience: AI assistance is always on‑hand, reduces the need for multiple extensions, and helps manage the chaos of many open tabs.