What is Google’s secret AI Project Jarvis that can take control over your PC?

Google is reportedly working on a secret project which will use an AI agent in your web browser that will perform tasks on your behalf. The project has been codenamed Project Jarvis. This was reported by The Information. The AI system will be able to perform tasks like “gathering research, purchasing a product, or booking a flight,” as per the report. The project is believed to be powered by a future version of Google Gemini. The company is reportedly working on this project is secret right now, and has not yet confirmed anything about the project.
Project Jarvis will particularly be meant for integrating into web browsers. According to the report, initially the AI system is being tweaked to specifically work on Google Chrome. The AI agent will essentially be able to perform a bunch of tasks on behalf of a user so that they can “automate everyday, web-based tasks”. The tool is reportedly aimed at reducing the various steps a user has to go through when using a browser. For instance, when you are booking a flight, you first choose a website you want to book from, then you pick a flight, and then you compare them with other websites, and so on. However, the tool will be able to do all that for you and just share the best options for you based on your preference.
While it sounds quite cool, Google isn’t the first company to be working on an AI agent like that. We already know that Microsoft’s Copilot Vision will enable users to interact with it directly on the web pages they are browsing. Apple Intelligence is anticipated to gain the ability to understand screen content and assist with various apps within the next year. Meanwhile, Anthropic has released a beta update for Claude which can perform tasks on a computer.
Project Jarvis has the potential to change how users interact with web browsers by automating repetitive tasks. This AI integration into web browsers could simplify processes that usually involve multiple steps. With Project Jarvis, users would be able to save time and effort, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks while the AI handles the mundane details. However, this convenience may come with drawbacks. Automating these processes could make users overly reliant on AI, potentially reducing their ability to verify information or find personalised options themselves. Additionally, privacy concerns could arise as the AI gains deeper access to users’ browsing habits and preferences. While Google’s secrecy around Project Jarvis adds to the anticipation, it remains to be seen how well the feature will balance convenience with user control and data privacy.