Google Launches Disco: Turn Browser Tabs Into AI Apps

Google has unveiled a new experimental project titled Disco, a tool designed to transform open browser tabs into personalized, interactive applications. Powered by the Gemini AI model, this browser-based experiment aims to turn static research into functional software experiences.

The core of this technology, which the company calls “GenTabs,” proactively identifies opportunities to build apps based on a user’s current browsing habits. Rather than simply summarizing information, the system constructs a custom interface to help users organize or visualize their data.

How GenTabs Works

Users can leverage GenTabs to streamline complex tasks that would otherwise require multiple separate windows. Google suggests several practical applications for the tool:

• Academic research: Building visualization tools to better grasp core principles of a specific subject.
• Meal planning: Consolidating disparate online recipes into a structured, cohesive plan.
• Travel logistics: Organizing research across various travel sites into a single itinerary or planning interface.

The system generates these experiences on the fly by pulling context from both active tabs and a user’s Gemini chat history. Once an app is generated, users can continue to refine the interface and its functionality using natural language commands. Additionally, Google confirms that all generated content maintains transparency by linking back to the original source material.

Expanding the AI-Integrated Browser

While competitors like Perplexity have explored standalone AI browsers, Google has opted for a strategy of deep integration. By embedding Gemini directly into Chrome, the company allows users to query specific pages in real-time. Disco represents an evolution of this concept, shifting the focus from single-page interactions to a multi-tab, holistic browsing experience.

For now, access to Disco is strictly limited. The company is rolling out the tool to a small cohort of testers via Google Labs to gather feedback. Interested users can join a waitlist to download the application, which is currently available for macOS.

Google indicates that GenTabs is merely the first feature to emerge from the Disco project. Successful experiments developed within this environment may eventually be integrated into broader, consumer-facing Google products as the technology matures.