OpenAI has updated its ChatGPT browser extension for Chromium-based browsers, introducing deeper integration with Google Chrome. The update adds two distinct modes: Chat and Work. The Chat mode focuses on analyzing webpage content and answering questions based on context, such as comparing product details across multiple shopping sites.
The Work mode allows the AI to perform more complex tasks, including sending messages, downloading files, and organizing open tabs by topic. It can also automatically fill out online forms using data from the web or local documents, with a manual review step required before submission. Users can trigger these functions via the @Chrome command.
The extension now includes a dedicated ChatGPT tab for managing chat history. OpenAI has implemented granular permission controls, allowing users to restrict access to specific tabs or grant permissions for single sessions, current sites, or all websites. These features are available for Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi.
The extension was originally launched in July 2023 with basic sidebar functionality for summarizing articles, translating text, and answering questions about YouTube videos. Meanwhile, OpenAI discontinued its standalone browser, Atlas, in August 2024 after it failed to gain significant market share against established competitors.
