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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Chrome Enterprise adds agent-like AI to automate work tasks.
- New “Skills” let workers save and reuse AI workflows instantly.
- IT has visibility and controls to help manage AI security risks.
Google has announced new Chrome features specifically for companies. The update brings AI capabilities to workers while giving IT teams greater control over which AI tools are used across the workplace. Chrome Enterprise is now a place where work gets done, AI operates inline, and administrators can enforce security, all within the browser.
Also: Google bets $32B on AI agent cyber force as security arms race escalates
1. Auto Browse
One of the biggest changes coming to Google’s workplace browser, Chrome Enterprise, is a Gemini feature called Auto Browse. I already tested Auto Browse in the consumer version of Chrome, but now it’s available to Workspace users in the US. It adds autonomous, agent-like capabilities that can take action on your behalf based on what’s open in your browser.
Also: How Google just revamped Gemini Enterprise for the agentic era
In practice, that means if you’re working in a Google Doc, browsing a company site, and using a CRM, you can ask Gemini in Chrome Enterprise to complete a task across your open tabs. Google said it could turn the content in your Google Doc into a new sales opportunity by pulling in all relevant details, creating contacts, and setting everything up in the CRM for you.
You still need to review and approve actions before they are executed.
2. Skills
Google is also bringing “Skills” to Chrome Enterprise, letting you save and reuse AI workflows. This one-click feature launched recently for consumers in Chrome, but is now coming to Workspace. The idea is, if you find yourself asking Gemini the same thing throughout the workday, you can save that prompt as a Skill and run it instantly on any page in your browser.
Also: I tested ChatGPT Plus vs. Gemini Pro to see which is better
Just type / in the Gemini side panel, select your Skill, and it runs immediately on the page you’re viewing. Over time, you can build a library of repeatable tasks customized to how you or your team works. As a safeguard, most Skills require confirmation before running.
Google said Workspace prompts are not used to train its AI models.
3. Gemini Summary
Since employees may already be using AI tools on their own, Google is flagging a “Shadow AI” risk where sensitive data could be shared with unmonitored tools. To address this, Chrome Enterprise now gives IT teams visibility into AI usage across the workplace, including which tools employees access, unusual behavior from extensions or agents, and unapproved tools.
Google said its GenAI and SaaS report will flag sanctioned and unsanctioned tools, while Chrome Enterprise’s extension telemetry will help IT administrators detect suspicious activity. That data can feed into platforms like SecOps and other SIEM tools. Admins can block risky extensions using third-party risk scores, restrict them by category, and remotely uninstall them.
Google is also adding a “Gemini Summary” module to the admin dashboard. It uses AI to summarize updates, highlight changes, and suggest actions for IT administrators in a condensed overview.
Also: This Gemini setting made my AI results way more personal
Meanwhile, integrations with platforms like Okta add another layer of security. In fact, Google and Okta added new features to reduce session hijacking by binding authentication sessions to a device’s secure hardware, “rendering stolen cookies unusable,” Google said. IT teams will also be able to remotely clear Chrome browsing data, such as cookies, on compromised devices.
