OpenAI expanded ChatGPT’s Chrome extension so the chatbot can use information from a user’s open browser tabs. In regular Chat mode, users can ask ChatGPT to compare products, summarise research or extract details across several pages.
The update removes the need to copy and paste content from multiple tabs. A user can, for example, keep several sofa listings open and ask ChatGPT to compare prices, materials and delivery terms.
The major change comes in ChatGPT Work, OpenAI’s agent for longer and more involved tasks. With permission, it can control Chrome tabs to send messages, fill out forms and download files.
It can also organise or group open tabs. OpenAI says Work can use information from one page, such as an event description, to complete a task on another page, such as filling a registration form, before stopping for review.
Users need the ChatGPT extension from the Chrome Web Store. After installation, they should open ChatGPT on the web or desktop app and mention Chrome using an “@” tag in a ChatGPT Work or Codex chat. Setup also runs through the Computer Use section in the desktop app’s settings.
The extension also supports Edge, Brave, Opera and Vivaldi. Opera supports tab mentions and browser control, but not the Side Chat feature. In Side Chat, users can reference open tabs, ask questions about highlighted text or request a summary of a YouTube video.
OpenAI says, “ Users should confirm that the browser displays a Manage option before selecting it for tab access.ChatGPT can also create or edit documents, spreadsheets and slides, enter data into business systems and download files in bulk.” The feature is designed for research, administration and repetitive web work. It is particularly useful when a task spans several websites or requires moving information between pages.
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