Chrome will soon prompt users to use the Gemini shortcut in the address bar

Google is working on adding a suggestion to the address bar’s dropdown menu, also known as the Omnibox, to notify users that simply typing @gemini will get them to quickly start a chat with Gemini, Google’s native AI chatbot.

We recently reported that Chrome is adding a Chat with Gemini shortcut to the address bar. With this, you don’t need to separately open the Gemini app or the official website.

Just use the Chat with Gemini shortcut to search for anything, and it will redirect you to the Gemini website listing the answer to your query.

Currently, the feature or shortcut is still hidden within Chrome. While typing, Chrome will now display a suggestion at the bottom of the menu that reads, Type @gemini to Chat with Gemini.

Presently, this message is not selectable or clickable. It is being tested behind the IPH message for the Site Search starter pack flag in Chrome Canary.

[omnibox] Create IPH suggestion for @gemini

This CL creates an informational (can’t be clicked) IPH suggestion for @gemini that appears at the bottom of the Omnibox. Some formatting and styling changes are included in this CL, but the color, font, icon, and triggering still need to be updated.

How do I get the Gemini shortcut in the Omnibox address bar on Chrome?

1. Launch Chrome Canary, paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter: chrome://flags.
2. Search for the Expansion pack for the Site search starter pack flag and choose Enabled pre-prod url from the dropdown menu.
3. Once done, restart the browser to apply the changes.

Now, you can chat directly with Gemini from the address bar. Simply type @gemini or @ and select the Gemini shortcut.

Unlike Copilot in Edge, Leo in Brave, and Aria in Opera, the Gemini has not yet been integrated into Chrome. At the same time, Copilot, Aria, and Leo are available via the sidebar or toolbar and are quickly accessible!

So, we believe Google should consider adding a dedicated Gemini button in the toolbar. It will not only allow easy access but also provide the much-needed boost to Gemini’s adoption amongst Chrome’s massive user base.

As of March’24, Chrome sits comfortably at the top with a 65% market share across all platforms worldwide, while the next on the list, Safari, stands at just 18.55%. These numbers make it evident how Gemini’s integration into the browser will increase the chatbot’s usage!

Earlier this month, Google’s release of Gemini 1.5 Pro hinted that the tech giant has big plans for the AI assistant.

What’s your take on integrating Gemini in Chrome’s address bar or toolbar? Share with our readers in the comments section.