Major Week for AI Interfaces
From January 26 to 28, 2026, the three AI giants (Google, OpenAI, Anthropic) are launching products that integrate AI directly into everyday tools: browser, office suite, and professional apps.
Google: Gemini Integrated Everywhere
Gemini in Chrome with Auto Browse
January 28 โ Google launches a major redesign of Gemini in Chrome. The AI assistant now appears in a permanent side panel and can automatically browse the web.
New Features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Side panel | Gemini permanently accessible next to the active tab, without switching tabs |
| Nano Banana | Image transformation directly in the browser (room redesign, infographics) |
| Connected Apps | Integrations with Gmail, Calendar, YouTube, Maps, Shopping, Flights |
| Auto browse | Multi-step automatic navigation: hotel search, form filling, price comparison |
| UCP | Universal Commerce Protocol, open standard co-developed with Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, Target |
Auto browse is the flagship feature: the user gives a complex task (book a flight, find an apartment, collect tax documents) and Chrome executes it by navigating across multiple sites. The agent requests confirmation before sensitive actions (purchases, sending messages).
Available for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the United States.
๐ Gemini in Chrome
Agentic Vision in Gemini 3 Flash
January 27 โ Google adds Agentic Vision to the Gemini 3 Flash API. This capability transforms image understanding into an agentic process: the model can combine visual reasoning and code execution to analyze images iteratively.
First supported tool: Python code execution to process visual analysis results.
Google AI Plus Available in the USA
January 27 โ Google launches Google AI Plus in 35 new countries including the United States for $7.99/month.
| Included | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gemini 3 Pro | In the Gemini app |
| Nano Banana Pro | Image generation |
| Flow | AI video creation tools |
| NotebookLM | Research and writing |
| Storage | 200 GB |
| Family Sharing | Up to 5 members |
Existing Google One Premium 2TB subscribers automatically receive AI Plus benefits. Launch promo: 50% off for the first 2 months.
๐ Google AI Plus
OpenAI: Prism for Scientists
Prism: Free Workspace Powered by GPT-5.2
January 27 โ OpenAI launches Prism, a free workspace for collaborative scientific writing, directly integrated with GPT-5.2 (their best model for mathematical and scientific reasoning).
What Prism Does:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Native LaTeX Writing | Complete cloud environment, no local installation required |
| GPT-5.2 in Context | The model has access to the entire article (equations, citations, figures, structure) |
| Unlimited Collaborators | No seat limit, real-time work |
| Integrated Search | Search on arXiv and direct integration into the manuscript |
| Whiteboard to LaTeX | Conversion of hand-drawn equations into LaTeX |
| Voice Editing | Small edits without interrupting writing |
Origin: Prism is based on Crixet, a cloud LaTeX platform acquired by OpenAI.
Availability: Free for all personal ChatGPT accounts. Advanced features coming for Business, Team, Enterprise, and Education plans.
๐ Prism | Announcement
Anthropic: Interactive Tools and UK Partnership
Interactive Tools in Claude
January 26 โ Claude can now display and interact with tools directly in the conversation. No need to switch tabs to use professional apps.
Available Interactive Apps:
| App | Possible Actions |
|---|---|
| Asana | Create projects, tasks, timelines directly |
| Slack | Search conversations, preview and send formatted messages |
| Figma | Transform text/images into FigJam diagrams |
| Amplitude | Build and explore analytics charts |
| Box | Search files, preview, extract insights |
| Canva | Create presentations with custom branding |
| Clay | Search companies/contacts, write outreach |
| Hex | Data questions with interactive charts and tables |
| monday.com | Manage projects, assign tasks, visualize progress |
Technology: Based on MCP Apps, a new extension of the Model Context Protocol that allows any MCP server to provide an interactive interface.
Available on web and desktop for Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise plans. Coming soon to Claude Cowork.
๐ Interactive tools in Claude | MCP Apps directory
Claude Free Plan: Files, Skills, Compaction
January 26 โ Anthropic extends features to free users:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Files | Create and edit files (Excel, documents, PDF) |
| Skills | Access to Claude skills |
| Compaction | Claude continues working on long tasks |
๐ @claudeai on X
UK Government Partnership: Claude on GOV.UK
January 27 โ Anthropic signs a partnership with the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to build an AI assistant on GOV.UK.
Initial Use Case: Job support โ personalized advice for finding work, accessing training, understanding available support.
Key Features:
- Agentic system that actively guides (not just answering questions)
- Persistent context between sessions
- Full user control over data (opt-out possible)
- Anthropic engineers work with civil servants for skills transfer
This partnership follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2025. The goal: for the UK government to maintain the system independently.
What This Means
This week marks a turning point: AI is leaving dedicated chat interfaces to integrate directly into everyday tools.
- Chrome becomes an agent capable of executing multi-site tasks
- Claude displays professional apps within the conversation
- Prism integrates GPT-5.2 directly into the LaTeX editor
The common message: AI should be where you work, not in a separate tab.
On the business model side, OpenAI makes a bold bet by making Prism free โ aiming to become the default tool for the scientific community before monetizing advanced features.