ChatGPT Chrome Extension Adds Open-Tab Answers and Browser Tasks

Open tabs become context for ChatGPT

OpenAI has updated its ChatGPT Chrome extension so ChatGPT can use information from users’ open browser tabs, according to Engadget and The Verge. The change lets users bring the pages they are browsing into a ChatGPT conversation.

With the extension installed, users can tag Chrome in ChatGPT’s web or desktop app to let it view their tabs, The Verge reports.

Engadget gives a shopping example: asking ChatGPT Chat to compare couches across three tabs by dimensions, prices, delivery time and return policy. That illustrates the practical use—bringing details from separate pages into one comparison. It is an example of the feature, rather than a reported test of its accuracy.

Work adds actions alongside answers

The update also supports ChatGPT Work, which Engadget describes as OpenAI’s agent for complex tasks involving multiple steps. An agent is software that carries out tasks; here, users can ask Work to send messages, fill out forms and organize tabs, the publication reports.

The distinction is useful: Chat answers questions using information in open pages, while Work can take browser actions. The supplied reporting describes those capabilities without providing independent results from running the tasks.

An updated Chrome sidebar also provides access to ChatGPT conversation history. Users can use Chat or Work beside the website they are viewing, according to Engadget’s account of OpenAI’s update.

Extension access and Work access are separate questions

Engadget reports that the extension is available regardless of a user’s plan. That statement covers the extension itself; the supplied reporting does not establish whether every Work browser action is available on every plan.

OpenAI says the extension also supports Microsoft Edge, Brave and Opera, according to Engadget. Those browsers use Chromium, the browser foundation also used by Chrome, extending the reported compatibility beyond Google’s browser.