ChatGPT Upgrades Its Chrome Extension
When the ChatGPT extension is installed, it can view information from open Chrome tabs. Simply tag Chrome in the web or desktop app—for example, ask it to compare information from the sofa tabs you are considering.
Alternatively, open ChatGPT in the sidebar with your conversation history in Chat or Work. It can help fill out forms, send messages, download files, and organize tabs without leaving the webpage you are viewing.
A Closer Integration with Chrome
The key feature is that ChatGPT can retrieve information from open tabs and compare it. This is useful for tasks that require viewing multiple pages at once, such as comparing sofas you are considering.
When ChatGPT is opened in the sidebar, work becomes more continuous because your Chat or Work conversation history is available on the same page. ChatGPT Work can also control tabs to perform various tasks.
When the Information You Need to Compare Is Spread Across Different Tabs
When information is spread across multiple pages, switching back and forth between tabs can make it difficult to follow the details. This new feature lets ChatGPT access open Chrome tabs when users tag Chrome in ChatGPT on the web or in the desktop app.
In OpenAI’s demo, ChatGPT compared sofas from three open tabs. This is useful for gathering information from multiple pages into a single prompt without having to manually reorganize the information.
From the Disappeared Atlas to a Chrome Extension
After ChatGPT Atlas disappeared, OpenAI continued developing browser capabilities through a Google Chrome extension instead. The extension was upgraded to work with open tabs and make ChatGPT more convenient to use.
This feature connects with ChatGPT on the web or in the desktop app, allowing users to discuss information from Chrome directly. They can also open ChatGPT in the sidebar without leaving the page they are viewing.
Before the Upgrade vs. Added Capabilities
The source does not provide details about the extension’s capabilities before the upgrade, so only the confirmed new features can be compared.
| Factor | Before the Upgrade | After the Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| View open tabs | Not specified | Available when Chrome is tagged in ChatGPT |
| ChatGPT in the sidebar | Not specified | Can be used without leaving the current page |
| Conversation history | Not specified | Access conversation history in Chat or Work |
What Real-World Situations Can You Try It In?
If you are shopping for a sofa, open three tabs and tag Chrome in ChatGPT to compare information from each tab.
While reading a webpage, you can use ChatGPT in the sidebar without leaving the page you are viewing. You can also open your conversation history in Chat or Work.
ChatGPT Work is suited to tasks that need to be completed in Chrome, such as sending messages, filling out forms, or downloading files. It can also organize open tabs.
Compared with Selecting Tabs Manually and Gemini
If we compare information from multiple tabs manually, we have to open each page and summarize the information ourselves. ChatGPT, however, can retrieve and compare information from open Chrome tabs when Chrome is tagged in the ChatGPT web or desktop app.
| Factor | ChatGPT | Select Tabs Manually |
|---|---|---|
| Compare tabs | Retrieve information from open tabs | View and summarize manually |
| Work in Chrome | ChatGPT Work can control tabs | Manage them manually |
| Organize tabs | Available | Must be done manually |
The Gemini-powered “auto browse” feature is cited as an example of an AI feature that controls tabs in a similar way, such as sending messages, filling out forms, and downloading files.
Strengths and Limitations Based on the Available Information
ChatGPT uses information from open Chrome tabs to help compare data from multiple pages at once. It also provides access to Chat or Work conversation history through the sidebar without requiring users to leave the page they are viewing.
The limitations are that the source does not yet specify accuracy, privacy, pricing, or the scope of additional tab controls. It is therefore best to wait for more details before using it in practice.
Pros
- +Use information from open Chrome tabs
- +Access conversation history in Chat or Work
Cons
- −No information yet about accuracy and privacy
- −Pricing and the scope of additional tab controls have not been specified
Costs and Conditions Not Yet Addressed by the Source
The source only states that the ChatGPT extension must be installed in Chrome. It does not provide pricing, usage plans, or additional costs.
There are also no details about what type of account is required or what account conditions apply. Therefore, the total cost should not yet be inferred from this information. It is best to wait for further details from OpenAI before using it in practice.
How This Upgrade Changes the Way Chrome Is Used
Chrome is no longer just a place to open websites. ChatGPT can read information from open tabs when users tag Chrome in ChatGPT on the web or in the desktop app. This makes it suitable for comparing information across multiple pages, such as when choosing a sofa they are interested in.
In the sidebar, users can open ChatGPT with their conversation history in Chat or Work without leaving the page they are viewing. ChatGPT Work can also be instructed to work with tabs by sending messages, filling out forms, downloading files, and organizing tabs.
Overall, ChatGPT is becoming more closely integrated with browser tabs and tasks—from reading information for comparison to directly instructing it to work with tabs.