Google is extending its AI‑powered Chrome sidebar to eight new markets in East Asia and the Pacific. Starting today, users in Australia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam can tap the “Ask Gemini” icon to summon the built‑in chatbot. The rollout follows a earlier launch in the United States, Canada, India and New Zealand as part of its push to embed AI.

Except for Japan, where the iOS version remains unavailable, the feature works in Chrome on desktop and in the mobile app for iPhone and iPad. Clicking the icon opens a sidebar that stays visible across all open tabs, letting users draft text, ask questions, or generate images with Nano Banana 2. Integration with Calendar, Docs and Search lets tasks shift without leaving the page.

By weaving Gemini directly into the browsing experience, Google aims to make AI assistance as routine as searching. Consumers can schedule meetings, refine drafts or create quick visuals without flipping between apps, a convenience that rivals Microsoft’s Copilot integration in Edge. The broader rollout signals that browsers are becoming the next battleground for generative AI adoption.