Google Launches Project Mariner, Its AI-Powered Web Browsing Agent
Google's Project Mariner AI Agent Expands with Major Upgrades
At Google I/O 2025, the tech giant announced significant updates to Project Mariner, its experimental AI agent designed to browse and interact with websites on behalf of users. Now available to more testers and developers, the revamped version can juggle nearly a dozen tasks simultaneously, making it far more efficient than its initial release.
Who Gets Access?
Starting today, U.S. subscribers to Google’s premium AI Ultra plan ($249.99/month) will gain early access. The company also confirmed plans to expand availability to more countries soon. Additionally, Project Mariner’s capabilities are being integrated into the Gemini API and Vertex AI, opening doors for developers to build AI-powered applications.
A New Way to Interact with the Web
First introduced in late 2024, Project Mariner represents Google’s vision for an AI-driven internet experience—where users delegate tasks instead of manually browsing websites. Need concert tickets? Groceries? Just ask the AI, and it handles the rest—no need to visit third-party sites.
Image Credits: Google Competing in the AI Agent Space
Google isn’t alone in this race. OpenAI’s Operator, Amazon’s Nova Act, and Anthropic’s Computer Use are all developing similar web-browsing AI agents. However, early tests (including TechCrunch’s) reveal these tools are still slow and error-prone.
What’s Improved?
Google claims it has refined Project Mariner based on user feedback. A key upgrade? It now runs on cloud-based virtual machines (like OpenAI and Amazon’s agents), freeing up users’ devices. No more being locked out of other tabs while the AI works—Mariner now handles up to 10 background tasks seamlessly.
What’s Next?
- AI Mode Integration: Soon, users will access Project Mariner directly within Google Search’s AI Mode, though initially limited to Search Labs testers.
- Partnerships: Google is collaborating with Ticketmaster, StubHub, Resy, and Vagaro to streamline agent-assisted bookings.
- Agent Mode Demo: A new feature combining web browsing, research tools, and Google app integrations was also previewed, with Ultra subscribers getting early desktop access.
The Bigger Picture
Google is finally pushing its agentic AI vision into the real world. With Project Mariner, Agent Mode, and AI Mode, the company is reshaping how we interact with the web—and how businesses engage with customers. The implications for the internet economy? Huge. And Google isn’t holding back.
Want more AI insights? Join TechCrunch Sessions: AI (June 5, Berkeley) for expert talks from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. Limited-time tickets at $292—secure yours before they’re gone!
Exhibitors: Showcase your AI innovations to 1,200+ decision-makers. Tables available until May 9 (or until sold out).
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Google's Project Mariner AI Agent Expands with Major Upgrades
At Google I/O 2025, the tech giant announced significant updates to Project Mariner, its experimental AI agent designed to browse and interact with websites on behalf of users. Now available to more testers and developers, the revamped version can juggle nearly a dozen tasks simultaneously, making it far more efficient than its initial release.
Who Gets Access?
Starting today, U.S. subscribers to Google’s premium AI Ultra plan ($249.99/month) will gain early access. The company also confirmed plans to expand availability to more countries soon. Additionally, Project Mariner’s capabilities are being integrated into the Gemini API and Vertex AI, opening doors for developers to build AI-powered applications.
A New Way to Interact with the Web
First introduced in late 2024, Project Mariner represents Google’s vision for an AI-driven internet experience—where users delegate tasks instead of manually browsing websites. Need concert tickets? Groceries? Just ask the AI, and it handles the rest—no need to visit third-party sites.
Competing in the AI Agent Space
Google isn’t alone in this race. OpenAI’s Operator, Amazon’s Nova Act, and Anthropic’s Computer Use are all developing similar web-browsing AI agents. However, early tests (including TechCrunch’s) reveal these tools are still slow and error-prone.
What’s Improved?
Google claims it has refined Project Mariner based on user feedback. A key upgrade? It now runs on cloud-based virtual machines (like OpenAI and Amazon’s agents), freeing up users’ devices. No more being locked out of other tabs while the AI works—Mariner now handles up to 10 background tasks seamlessly.
What’s Next?
- AI Mode Integration: Soon, users will access Project Mariner directly within Google Search’s AI Mode, though initially limited to Search Labs testers.
- Partnerships: Google is collaborating with Ticketmaster, StubHub, Resy, and Vagaro to streamline agent-assisted bookings.
- Agent Mode Demo: A new feature combining web browsing, research tools, and Google app integrations was also previewed, with Ultra subscribers getting early desktop access.
The Bigger Picture
Google is finally pushing its agentic AI vision into the real world. With Project Mariner, Agent Mode, and AI Mode, the company is reshaping how we interact with the web—and how businesses engage with customers. The implications for the internet economy? Huge. And Google isn’t holding back.
Want more AI insights? Join TechCrunch Sessions: AI (June 5, Berkeley) for expert talks from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. Limited-time tickets at $292—secure yours before they’re gone!
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