Google turns Chrome into an agentic AI workplace tool with Auto Browse, Skills, and enterprise DLP at $6

Google announced at Cloud Next 2026 that Chrome is evolving into an agentic workplace platform. Key additions include Auto Browse (powered by the latest version of the model), which autonomously handles multi-step tasks like scheduling and expense reports; Chrome Skills, which let users save and reuse AI workflows as one-click actions; a persistent per-tab context-isolated side panel integrated with Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and other Google services; and on-device AI APIs via the model for developers. Chrome Enterprise Premium at $6/user/month adds real-time data loss prevention, data masking, dynamic watermarking, and AI governance controls, with Google claiming a 50% reduction in unauthorized AI data transfers. The move positions Chrome against enterprise browser competitors Island (valued at $4.85B) and Microsoft Edge for Business, with Google betting its 67.7% browser market share gives it a structural advantage in delivering workplace AI.