Whether you use Chrome for office work, online research, studying, blogging, managing websites, or simply browsing the internet, some of these features can save you valuable time.
Many users install Chrome updates without checking what has changed. However, several useful tools are already available in the browser, and you might not even know they exist.
Here are 10 Google Chrome features worth exploring in 2026, including how to use them and why they matter.
1. Gemini in Chrome: Your AI Browsing Assistant
One of the biggest developments in Google Chrome is the integration of Gemini, Google's artificial intelligence assistant.
Instead of opening a separate AI website whenever you need help understanding something online, Gemini can assist you directly from your browser.
What can it do?
Summarize lengthy articles and webpages.
Explain complicated topics in simpler language.
Answer questions about the webpage you are viewing.
Help you understand information from videos and audio.
Compare information across multiple open tabs.
Assist with research and other browsing tasks.
Google has also introduced more advanced capabilities, including Auto Browse, which can help eligible users complete multi-step online tasks.
Why is it useful?
Imagine researching a particular topic across five different websites. Instead of repeatedly switching between tabs and taking notes manually, you can ask Gemini to help summarize and compare the information.
It can be particularly useful for students, researchers, office workers, and content creators.
How to use it:
Open Google Chrome.
Look for the Gemini icon in the browser toolbar.
Click it to open the AI assistant.
Ask a question about the webpage or information you are researching.
Feature availability depends on your country, account, device, and subscription. Some advanced capabilities are not available everywhere.
2. Vertical Tabs: Organize Your Browser Better
If you regularly work with 15 or 20 open tabs, you probably understand how difficult it becomes to identify the correct webpage.
Chrome's Vertical Tabs feature offers a different way to organize your browser.
Instead of displaying tabs horizontally across the top, it moves them into a sidebar.
Why is it useful?
Read complete webpage titles.
Organize multiple open tabs.
Manage tab groups more easily.
Keep track of research and work-related websites.
Free up horizontal tab-bar space.
How to enable Vertical Tabs:
Open Google Chrome on your computer.
Right-click anywhere on the tab bar.
Select Show Tabs Vertically.
Your tabs will move to a sidebar.
You can collapse or expand the sidebar depending on your preference.
This is particularly useful for people who regularly work with multiple websites.
3. Split View: Open Two Webpages Side by Side
Another useful Chrome productivity feature is Split View.
Previously, comparing two websites usually required opening separate browser windows or continuously switching between tabs.
Split View allows you to display two webpages side by side within the same browser tab.
Why is it useful?
For example, you can:
Read an article while taking notes.
Compare products on different websites.
Check information on one website while completing a form on another.
Watch a tutorial while following its instructions.
Compare documents without switching between windows.
How to use Split View:
Open the webpages you want to view.
Drag one tab towards the left or right edge of the browser window.
Follow the Split View option when it appears.
You can also right-click a link and select Open Link in Split View, where supported.
This feature is especially helpful for multitasking and online research.
4. Immersive Reading Mode: Read Articles Without Distractions
Modern websites often contain advertisements, pop-ups, navigation menus, sidebars, and other elements that make reading difficult.
Chrome's improved Reading Mode provides a cleaner reading experience by removing much of this visual clutter.
What does it offer?
A simplified reading interface.
Better focus on the actual article.
Customizable text appearance.
Adjustable font sizes.
Background and reading preferences.
How to use Reading Mode:
Open an article or webpage in Chrome.
Right-click anywhere on the page.
Select Open in Reading Mode.
Adjust the reading settings according to your preference.
You can also pin Reading Mode for easier access.
It is particularly useful for students, bloggers, researchers, and anyone who regularly reads lengthy online articles.
5. Enhanced Autofill: Save Time Filling Out Online Forms
Filling out online forms can be frustrating, particularly when you need to search through emails to find flight details, order numbers, or other information.
Google is improving Chrome's Autofill capabilities to make this process easier.
Chrome already supports autofill for common information such as names, addresses, and payment details. Newer enhancements introduce suggestions using information from Gmail and Google Wallet.
Depending on availability, Chrome can help retrieve information such as:
Flight booking details.
Order confirmation numbers.
Shipment tracking information.
Loyalty card details.
Vehicle information.
Saved addresses and payment details.
How to manage Autofill:
Open Chrome.
Click the three-dot menu.
Open Settings.
Select Autofill and passwords.
Review your available autofill settings.
Important: Gmail-powered enhanced Autofill began rolling out to eligible users in the United States in October 2026. Google Wallet integrations and other Autofill capabilities also vary by country and device. These features may not yet be available to users in Pakistan.
6. Built-In PDF Annotation and Signing Tools
You do not always need additional software to make simple changes to PDF documents.
Google Chrome now offers built-in PDF annotation capabilities that allow you to work with documents directly inside your browser.
What can you do?
Highlight important text.
Draw on PDF documents.
Add handwritten notes.
Use a digital pen.
Add a handwritten signature.
Save annotated documents.
How to use the feature:
Open a PDF document in Google Chrome.
Look for the Annotations icon in the PDF toolbar.
Select the pen or highlighter tool.
Make your required changes.
Click Save to keep the edited document.
Why is it useful?
This feature is particularly helpful for employees, students, freelancers, and people who regularly receive PDF documents.
You can review a report, highlight important information, or add a handwritten signature without installing another application.
For documents requiring a legally recognized electronic signature, check the applicable signing requirements.
7. Smarter Tab Search and Tab Groups
Sometimes the biggest problem is not opening too many tabs but finding the one you need.
Chrome provides Tab Search and Tab Groups to help users manage multiple open webpages.
Tab Search
You can search through your open tabs instead of manually checking every tab.
Tab Groups
You can organize related websites into separate groups.
For example, you might create groups such as:
Office Work
Research
Blogging
Online Shopping
Personal
How to use Tab Groups:
Right-click an open tab.
Select Add Tab to New Group.
Give the group a name.
Choose a colour if available.
Add other related tabs to the same group.
You can also use the Tab Search button near the tab strip to locate open webpages.
This is a simple way to keep your browser organized, especially when working on multiple projects.
8. Improved Google Wallet Integration
Chrome is becoming more useful for people who regularly shop, travel, and complete online forms.
Google Wallet integration allows supported versions of Chrome to retrieve and suggest additional information when filling out certain forms.
Examples include:
Loyalty card information.
Flight details.
Vehicle information.
Other supported saved details.
Instead of searching through emails or manually entering information, you may be able to use Chrome's suggestions.
How to get started:
Make sure Google Wallet is configured where supported.
Sign in to your Google Account.
Open Chrome settings.
Review Autofill and payment-related settings.
Check which information is available for automatic suggestions.
Remember that availability varies by country and supported services.
9. Better AI-Powered Browsing and Research
Chrome's AI developments are not limited to answering simple questions.
Gemini is becoming more capable of helping users work with information across different webpages.
For example, imagine you are researching a new laptop.
You can open several product pages and use AI assistance to compare:
Processor specifications.
Memory and storage.
Screen quality.
Battery performance.
Prices and available configurations.
Similarly, content creators can use AI assistance to understand articles, organize research, and identify important information.
Google has also introduced Auto Browse for eligible users, allowing Gemini to assist with more complex browsing tasks.
However, users should remain careful when allowing AI tools to interact with websites. Always review important information and personally approve sensitive actions such as purchases, payments, and submissions.
10. Chrome Security and Performance Improvements
Not every Chrome update introduces a feature that you can see or click.
Google regularly updates the browser to improve security, compatibility, and performance.
These improvements can include:
Fixing security vulnerabilities.
Improving protection against malicious websites.
Updating browser technologies.
Improving webpage compatibility.
Removing outdated technologies.
Improving performance and stability.
Chrome 157 also includes browser interface and AI-related changes, although many updates are rolled out gradually.
Keeping Chrome updated is important because older browser versions may lack security fixes and newer improvements.
How to Update Google Chrome
Follow these steps to check whether you are using the latest version:
Open Google Chrome.
Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Select Help.
Click About Google Chrome.
Chrome will automatically check for available updates.
If an update is available, install it and restart the browser.
Bonus Tip: Discover Chrome's Latest Features Yourself
Google provides an official What's New page where users can explore recently introduced Chrome features.
You do not need to search the internet every time Chrome receives an update.
Simply follow these steps:
Open a new tab in Chrome.
Click the address bar.
Type
chrome://whats-new/.Press Enter.
You can explore the latest feature announcements and instructions directly from Google.
You can also visit Google's official Chrome What's New page:
https://www.google.com/chrome/see-whats-new/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I check my Google Chrome version?
Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, select Help, and then About Google Chrome. Your current browser version will appear on the screen.
2. Is Gemini available in Google Chrome?
Gemini in Chrome is available in supported countries, devices, and accounts. However, some AI capabilities are restricted by region or subscription.
3. Can I use Vertical Tabs in Google Chrome?
Yes. Right-click the tab bar and select Show Tabs Vertically if the feature is available in your Chrome installation.
4. Does Google Chrome support PDF editing?
Chrome supports PDF annotations, including highlighting, drawing, and handwritten signatures. It is not a complete replacement for dedicated PDF editing software.
5. How do I open two websites side by side in Chrome?
Use Chrome's Split View feature. You can drag another tab to the left or right edge of the browser window or right-click a link and select Open Link in Split View.
6. Are all Chrome features available in Pakistan?
No. Some features, particularly AI-powered services and enhanced Autofill integrations, are introduced gradually and may initially be limited to selected countries, devices, or accounts.
Final Thoughts
Google Chrome is becoming more than just an internet browser. Its latest developments are focused on making browsing smarter, improving productivity, and reducing the time users spend on repetitive tasks.
Features such as Gemini, Vertical Tabs, Split View, Reading Mode, PDF annotations, and improved Autofill can make everyday internet use easier.
You do not need to learn every feature at once. Start with the tools that match your daily activities, keep your browser updated, and explore new capabilities as Google introduces them.
When was the last time you explored Chrome's settings? You might discover a useful feature that you have been missing for months.
