according to the new 9To5Google (opens in new tab) Google is reportedly working on ways to combine a number of search technologies, and possibly AI, to create a new tool called a “search companion.”
To extract more context from web pages, it is said to leverage lenses that allow users to search the Internet with image input rather than text.
Speculation is that the new Search Companion window could be housed in the company’s popular sidebar. Web browser which accounted for two-thirds (66%) of all desktop browsing sessions ( statistics counter (opens in new tab) ).
Google Chrome Search Companion
Looking at the code, it seems that Search Companion can identify certain types of data about web pages, such as titles and other types of metadata, to determine what you’re looking at.
It also uses Lens to scan images on the page to add context to the information it collects.
So-called companions are more likely to show you relevant information that you may need and help you browse the web and jump between pages more efficiently. For example, if an individual is looking at a product, Chrome may suggest deals or technical spec pages to facilitate research work.
All of this comes as Microsoft infuses ChatGPT-like AI into its own browser, Edge, and Google seeks its own place in artificial intelligence. It’s unclear if Search Companion uses Google’s Bard or even exists. This is because Google has not officially announced any upcoming projects yet. .
via 9To5Google (opens in new tab)
