Chrome 156 lets you ask Gemini about videos you’re watching

In the most recent Chrome releases—version 156.0.8078.47/48 for Windows and macOS, and 156.0.8078.47 for Linux—Google has fixed over 350 security vulnerabilities, some of which are critical. Fortunately, none of them are being exploited in the wild. With Chrome 156, we also get “AI”-driven media understanding, though not a lot else.

Chrome 157 is scheduled for release in two weeks.

What’s new in Chrome 156?

The only new feature in Chrome 156, according to the “What’s New” page, is something called “Media understanding.” When media understanding is enabled, you can ask Gemini in Chrome about the video or audio you’re playing. Gemini can respond with answers, generate summaries, and more.

Note, however, that Gemini in Chrome is not currently available to all users—it’s still being rolled out gradually. Don’t confuse it with “AI mode” in Google Search. You can search for “gemini” in Chrome settings to find all Gemini-related options and features available to you.

If you don’t want to use media understanding, you can disable it via Settings → AI in Chrome → Gemini in Chrome.

Security flaws fixed in Chrome 156