Google Launches Project Mariner: AI for Web Browsing
▼ Summary
– Google announced Project Mariner, an experimental AI agent for browsing and using websites, with updates enabling it to handle nearly a dozen tasks simultaneously.
– U.S. subscribers to Google’s $249.99/month AI Ultra plan gain access to Project Mariner, with plans to expand to more countries and integrate it into Gemini API and Vertex AI.
– Project Mariner, unveiled in 2024, aims to shift user experience by delegating tasks like ticket purchases or grocery shopping to AI instead of manual website visits.
– Google improved Project Mariner by running it on cloud-based virtual machines, allowing users to multitask while the AI handles up to 10 background tasks.
– Google plans to integrate Project Mariner into AI Mode in Google Search and unveiled “Agent Mode,” combining web browsing with research features for Ultra subscribers.
Google has unveiled major upgrades to Project Mariner, its experimental AI agent designed to browse and interact with websites autonomously. The announcement came during Google I/O 2025, revealing expanded access for U.S. subscribers of the $249.99-per-month AI Ultra plan, with global rollout plans underway. Developers will also gain integration options through Gemini API and Vertex AI, enabling them to build applications powered by Mariner’s capabilities.
First introduced in late 2024, Project Mariner represents a paradigm shift in how users engage with the internet. Instead of manually navigating websites, users can delegate tasks—like booking event tickets or ordering groceries—to the AI, which handles the entire process seamlessly. This positions Google’s technology as a direct competitor to similar agents from OpenAI, Amazon, and Anthropic, though early testing suggests these tools remain imperfect and slow.
A key improvement in Mariner’s latest iteration is its shift from browser-based processing to cloud-based virtual machines, mirroring advancements by rivals. This upgrade allows the AI to manage up to 10 simultaneous tasks without locking users out of their devices—a critical fix for earlier limitations. Google emphasized that feedback from testers drove these optimizations, making the agent far more practical for everyday use.
Looking ahead, Google plans to integrate Mariner into AI Mode, its AI-enhanced search experience, initially available through Search Labs. Partnerships with platforms like Ticketmaster and Resy will enable smoother transactional workflows. Additionally, the company teased Agent Mode, a desktop feature blending web browsing with research tools and Google app integrations, slated for Ultra subscribers soon.
With these launches, Google signals its commitment to reshaping web interactions through AI. The implications for e-commerce, user behavior, and digital advertising are profound, as autonomous agents could redefine how businesses and consumers connect online. While challenges remain, Project Mariner’s evolution suggests Google is pushing aggressively toward an AI-driven future.
(Source: TechCrunch)
