AI Assistants Launching Browser Extensions: Analyzing the Trend from Doubao to Kimi The emergence of browser extensions for AI assistants is becoming a trend, from Doubao to Kimi. This development indicates a shift in how AI assistants are integrating into users' daily online activities, making them more accessible and convenient to use directly within the browser environment.

AI browser plugins can be roughly divided into three categories:

  1. Companion products based on proprietary large models

    • Such as official plugins launched by Kimi and Doubao
    • Provide functions like search, Q&A, summarization
    • AI features can be used on any webpage at any time
    • Doubao also supports video summarization and bookmarking

  2. "Wrapper" products based on existing models

    • Such as Monica
    • Integrate multiple AI models and search engines
    • Offer all-in-one features like conversation, search, translation, summarization
    • Achieve an "all in one" experience

  3. Professional plugins for vertical domains

    • Such as Tongyi Tingwu (speech-to-text)
    • Immersive Translation (bilingual side-by-side webpage translation)

Advantages of AI plugins:

  • Lightweight and always available
  • Assist in reading, writing, video watching, and other scenarios
  • Complement online experiences

Existing issues:

  • Overlapping functions can cause choice difficulties
  • Strong presence may interfere with users
  • Privacy and security concerns need attention

Future development directions:

  • Functional differentiation
  • Improve usability
  • Enhance privacy protection
  • Deep integration with specific scenarios

Overall, AI browser plugins are becoming important tools for enhancing online experiences, but still need continuous optimization in terms of functionality and user experience.