Browser users are familiar with saving favorites for quick access. Google is extending this concept to artificial intelligence through its latest Skills functionality in Chrome, allowing people to preserve AI prompts for later use.
Users can now generate a prompt in Gemini and store it as a Skill for easy retrieval and repetition whenever needed.
The company announced in a blog entry that the Skills option is being deployed to the desktop version of Chrome starting immediately.
To implement this, individuals interact with Gemini inside Chrome to craft a prompt and designate it as a Skill. These are organized on a specific Skills interface, featuring sections for recommendations from Google alongside personal creations. To activate one, launch Gemini in Chrome, enter a forward slash to display the selection menu, pick the desired Skill, and let Gemini process it.
Among Google's pre-made Skills are options like 'What's in this?' to assist with food preparation and scheduling, 'Calendar creator' for event organization, and 'YouTube transcript' for video content summaries. Another is 'Hype it up!' aimed at providing motivational support.
Generative AI outputs can fluctuate, meaning identical prompts might produce subtle differences in results upon reuse. A Google spokesperson explained via email that variations could arise, akin to rephrasing in human conversations. The team assures that library Skills undergo checks for consistency and dependability.
People must weigh whether to adopt Gemini for routine tasks or opt for alternatives such as ChatGPT or Claude from Anthropic. Regardless, this bookmarking approach integrates Chrome's user interface savvy with AI capabilities, offering a practical enhancement.
Mark has contributed to PCWorld over the past ten years, drawing on three decades in technology reporting. He has produced more than 3,500 pieces for the outlet, focusing on areas like computer processors, accessories, and the Windows operating system, plus various other subjects. His work has appeared in outlets including PC Magazine, Byte, eWEEK, Popular Science, and Electronic Buyers' News, earning a Jesse H. Neal Award for timely coverage. Lately, he cleared out a stockpile of Thunderbolt docks and USB-C hubs due to limited office space.