- Google’s AI assistant, Gemini Live, might be coming to Chrome. Early code hints suggest a floating window UI accessible through a new icon in the tab strip.
- This browser integration could make Gemini Live even more accessible, potentially working on Windows, Linux, and Mac versions of Chrome.
- Features like a dedicated settings menu and hotkey customization suggest a robust implementation of Gemini Live.
The Gemini Assistant has become an invaluable tool for users within the Google ecosystem, offering seamless integrations with popular apps like Spotify, WhatsApp, Google Home, and more. These integrations, now available as extensions within Gemini, make multitasking easier than ever.
Additionally, the conversational Gemini Live assistant, known for its natural, lifelike dialogue capabilities, became free for all users in September. This feature also debuted on iOS with the launch of the standalone Gemini app, making it even more accessible. Previously, this conversational assistant was exclusively available to Gemini Advanced subscribers at $20 per month.
Google appears to be expanding Gemini Live’s availability and functionality by integrating the conversational assistant into Google Chrome. Evidence of this development has surfaced, particularly on the web version of Chrome.
Chrome researcher Leopeva64 recently highlighted this on X (formerly Twitter), noting that enabling specific flags introduces a new exclamation mark icon on Chrome’s tab strip. While the icon is currently a placeholder, clicking it reportedly opens a floating window that is expected to house the Gemini Live interface.
Based on code uncovered in Chromium Gerrit, this integration is internally referred to as “GLIC,” likely short for Gemini Live in Chrome. Development on GLIC began in early November, with a dedicated feature flag added on November 8. Although enabling the GLIC flag in Chrome Canary does not currently reveal the tab strip icon, it does create a dedicated GLIC section in Chrome’s settings — with more details and screenshots provided below.
Code hints at support for Chrome on Windows, Linux, and Mac
Although GLIC’s implementation in Chrome might evolve before its official launch, early code analysis reveals some exciting features. Gemini Live’s floating window is expected to be resizeable, with a dedicated status tray icon, a Settings menu, and a customizable hotkey for quick access. Additionally, GLIC will be available not only on Windows but also on Chrome for Linux and Mac.
Leopeva64 also noted that GLIC requires access to your microphone and location, further supporting the idea that it stands for Gemini Live in Chrome. The GLIC Settings menu reinforces this, offering toggles for location, microphone, and current tab access, as well as an option to “view and manage your activity.” However, enabling the “feature in your menu” toggle currently does not activate the tab strip icon, at least in my testing.