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A New AI-Powered Sidebar Experience in Chrome
Google is integrating its AI assistant, Gemini, directly into Google Chrome, following a similar path to Microsoft Copilot in Edge. This feature, codenamed “Glic”, will function as a sidebar and can be resized or even detached from Chrome, making it accessible as a standalone widget in Windows 11.
According to a Chromium post discovered by Windows Latest, Google developers have confirmed that Gemini’s sidebar will be fully resizable, just like Copilot in Microsoft Edge. Additionally, Gemini can operate independently from Chrome, appearing as a system widget on Windows 11’s taskbar.
Google Chrome engineer Keren Zhu mentioned that the Gemini sidebar is categorized as a “widget”, which might indicate deeper Windows integration. Notably, Google is also making UI changes to Gemini’s sidebar, including removing translucency, to comply with Windows resizable window requirements.
A crucial aspect of this change is the handling of rounded corners. Google noted that previous iterations of Gemini featured rounded edges on Windows 10, but these have now been removed due to Microsoft’s system requirements. However, on Windows 11, the operating system may reintroduce rounded corners based on system settings.
Google has also modified the window structure, lifting a restriction that previously prevented WS_POPUP windows from being resizable. Historically, this caused visual artifacts in the bookmark editor, but Google engineers claim this is no longer an issue.
For now, Gemini’s resizable sidebar does not have a top border resize handle, and if it’s not resizable, it will lack a shadow effect. Despite these limitations, one thing is clear: Gemini is designed to function as a fully resizable, decoupled AI assistant inside Chrome, much like Microsoft’s Copilot in Windows 11.
What Undercode Says:
The integration of Gemini into Chrome as a resizable sidebar widget is a strategic move by Google, aiming to offer a seamless AI experience similar to Microsoft’s Copilot. Let’s analyze the implications:
1. Google vs. Microsoft: The AI Browser War
Google’s decision to introduce Gemini as a standalone widget mirrors Microsoft’s Copilot integration in Edge. By allowing Gemini to be detached and accessible from the taskbar, Google ensures that its AI assistant remains accessible even outside of Chrome—a direct challenge to Microsoft’s AI ecosystem.
2. Enhanced User Productivity
With Gemini operating as a sidebar and a widget, users can access AI tools without disrupting their workflow. This could be particularly useful for:
– Research & Writing: Users can quickly generate text, summarize articles, or search the web.
– Coding Assistance: Developers may benefit from AI-powered code suggestions within the sidebar.
– Task Management: AI-driven reminders, scheduling, and integration with Google services could improve productivity.
3. UI & Design Adjustments
Google is making notable design tweaks, removing translucency and altering rounded corners based on Windows system requirements. While these changes may seem minor, they highlight the complexities of integrating AI assistants within operating systems controlled by competitors (Microsoft).
4. Independence from Chrome
By allowing Gemini to function outside of Chrome, Google is preparing for a future where AI assistants operate at the OS level rather than being confined to a browser. This could signal a larger push toward AI-powered operating systems in the future.
5. The Future of AI-Integrated Browsers
The competition between Google and Microsoft in AI-driven browsers is intensifying. With Copilot already deeply integrated into Windows and Edge, Google must ensure Gemini offers a compelling alternative. Some key areas to watch include:
– AI personalization: Will Gemini adapt better to user habits than Copilot?
– Cross-platform compatibility: Will Gemini remain exclusive to Chrome, or will Google expand its availability?
– Performance & resource usage: Can Gemini operate efficiently without slowing down Chrome?
6. Potential Limitations
Despite its exciting potential, Gemini’s integration raises concerns:
- Privacy Issues: How much data will Gemini collect from users?
- Performance Trade-offs: Will running Gemini in the background impact system performance?
- Limited Customization: Will users be able to fully control how Gemini functions, or will it have predefined constraints?
Final Thoughts
Google’s Gemini sidebar marks a significant step forward in browser AI integration. By competing with Microsoft’s Copilot, Google is ensuring that Chrome remains the dominant AI-powered web browser. However, its success will depend on user adoption, privacy safeguards, and overall performance improvements.
Fact Checker Results:
✅ Gemini will be integrated into Chrome as a sidebar, similar to Copilot in Edge.
✅ The sidebar will be resizable and can function as a standalone widget on Windows 11.
✅ Google has removed translucency and rounded corners to comply with Windows UI requirements.
References:
Reported By: https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/03/30/google-code-confirms-gemini-in-chrome-copies-edges-copilot-sidebar-idea-on-windows-11/
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