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Google Chrome

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Chrome secretly ships a 4GB on-device AI model named Gemini Nano to select devices
technology4 days ago

Chrome secretly ships a 4GB on-device AI model named Gemini Nano to select devices

Reports say Google Chrome may have quietly downloaded a 4GB on-device AI model called Gemini Nano to some devices without user permission. The model runs locally, assessing tasks like scam-detection and text analysis, and will auto-uninstall if there aren’t enough resources. Users can disable or remove it via Chrome settings or by fully uninstalling Chrome; Mac and Windows steps are provided to check for and delete the model. Privacy concerns and possible legal implications are noted, with Google saying users can turn off or remove the feature if needed.

Chrome Under Fire for Secret 4GB On-Device AI Install Without Consent
technology16 days ago

Chrome Under Fire for Secret 4GB On-Device AI Install Without Consent

Security researcher Alexander Hanff revealed that Chrome quietly installs a 4GB weights.bin file for Gemini Nano's on-device AI whenever default AI features are enabled, re-downloading it if the user tries to delete it and offering no consent or transparency. The move has sparked privacy and data-regulation concerns (GDPR), potential environmental impact from emissions tied to widespread device usage, and broad backlash, with Mozilla promising a kill switch and Vivaldi calling for user autonomy while Google remains silent.

Chrome Quietly Stores 4GB On-Device AI Model, Researcher Warns
technology20 days ago

Chrome Quietly Stores 4GB On-Device AI Model, Researcher Warns

A security researcher says Google Chrome secretly stores about 4GB of an on-device Gemini Nano AI model on users’ devices (in a folder called OptGuideOnDeviceModel) without requesting consent. Google claims the on-device model powers security features and can be turned off or removed in Chrome settings, with automatic uninstall if resources are low; some users may still see re-downloads if they haven’t fully disabled it. Users can check chrome://on-device-internals to verify presence and chrome://flags or system settings to disable the feature.

Gemini Comes to Chrome Across Asia-Pacific in Fresh Rollout
technology-and-electronics1 month ago

Gemini Comes to Chrome Across Asia-Pacific in Fresh Rollout

Google is expanding Gemini in Chrome to Asia-Pacific users (Australia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam) after earlier launches in Canada, India, and New Zealand. The built-in chatbot is available on desktop Chrome and on iOS in most markets (Japan on iOS not yet), accessed via the Ask Gemini sidebar with integration to Nano Banana 2 image generation and calendar scheduling; users can unpin the Gemini shortcut if they prefer. Update notes confirm the expansion covers the full Asia-Pacific region.

Chrome rolls out vertical tabs to tame cluttered tab bars
technology1 month ago

Chrome rolls out vertical tabs to tame cluttered tab bars

Google Chrome now offers vertical tabs on the left side, an optional feature you enable by right-clicking the tab bar and selecting Show Tabs Vertically. The layout helps manage many open tabs by keeping the tab headlines visible and can be resized to icons. The feature, first shown in Chrome Canary in late 2025, is rolling out to users alongside a new full-page reading mode for a distraction-free browse.

Chrome ramps to quantum-proof HTTPS with Merkle-tree certificates
technology2 months ago

Chrome ramps to quantum-proof HTTPS with Merkle-tree certificates

Chrome is testing quantum-resistant HTTPS that uses Merkle-tree proofs, letting browsers verify certificates with tiny proofs instead of large data; a Tree Head signs millions of certs, keeping the data near 64 bytes. The plan for a broader rollout runs through 2027 with a parallel quantum-resistant trust store and mandatory certificate transparency, while traditional certificates remain as a safety net during the transition.

The Pros and Cons of Browser Password Managers
technology7 months ago

The Pros and Cons of Browser Password Managers

While browser password managers like Chrome and Safari have improved security and encryption, they still pose inherent risks by consolidating sensitive data in one place, making them less secure than dedicated third-party password managers. Using a browser's password manager is better than reusing passwords or storing them insecurely, but for enhanced security, especially against targeted attacks, third-party solutions with additional features are recommended.

OpenAI's Atlas Browser Challenges Google Chrome in the Web Browser Arena
technology7 months ago

OpenAI's Atlas Browser Challenges Google Chrome in the Web Browser Arena

OpenAI has launched Atlas, a new web browser integrated with ChatGPT, aiming to compete with Google Chrome by offering AI-powered browsing features. The move could increase traffic and revenue for OpenAI but faces significant challenges against Chrome's dominance. The browser's innovative 'agent mode' allows AI to navigate the web on users' behalf, raising questions about privacy and the future of browsing. Despite the potential, market competition and user adoption remain significant hurdles.

Perplexity Launches Free Comet AI Browser and Revenue-Share Scheme for Publishers
technology7 months ago

Perplexity Launches Free Comet AI Browser and Revenue-Share Scheme for Publishers

Perplexity is offering its AI-native browser, Comet, for free to combat low-quality internet content, aiming to provide a better, more accessible online experience. The browser, normally costing $200/month, now includes features like webpage summarization and link analysis, with a paid option that grants access to premium media outlets. This move also positions Perplexity as a competitor to Chrome, emphasizing high-quality sources and fair revenue sharing with publishers.

Perplexity Launches $34.5 Billion Bid to Acquire Google Chrome
business9 months ago

Perplexity Launches $34.5 Billion Bid to Acquire Google Chrome

Perplexity, an AI company with a valuation of $18bn, has made an unsolicited $35bn cash bid for Google Chrome, a move that is unusual since Chrome is not for sale and Google is facing legal challenges that could lead to its divestiture. This reflects the broader trend of inflated valuations and unconventional deal structures in the AI sector, driven by uncertainty over AI's true worth and speculative market dynamics. The AI dealmaking frenzy continues amidst high valuations and complex transactions, but a market correction may be inevitable.