Google expands Project Mariner access to more Ultra subscribers

Google continues to roll out access to Project Mariner, an agentic browser assistant, for Ultra plan subscribers, although access is still limited to select countries and regions. Project Mariner has been under experimental development within Google Labs and is positioned as a browser agent that interacts with the user's active Chrome tabs via a dedicated extension. This extension allows Mariner to query and manipulate information from any open webpage, which makes it comparable to existing agent browsers like Operator. On the main interface, users are greeted with a prompt bar for instructions and suggested tasks, ranging from basic web navigation to booking hotels or conducting searches automatically.

The functionality is further supported by a persistent chat bar, which acts as the main communication channel between the user and Mariner. A notable characteristic of the experience is Mariner’s frequent permission requests; for example, any attempt to access personal information or sensitive content triggers a confirmation dialogue. While this is designed to prioritize privacy and user control, it has also contributed to feedback that the agent feels slow and requires a fair amount of manual oversight, even for relatively simple actions like running a basic Google search.

Project Mariner includes additional settings, letting users manage data sharing preferences, such as whether screenshots from web sessions can be stored or shared. The gallery section offers real-world examples and demos to help users understand potential workflows and use cases.

Currently, the main beneficiaries are Ultra plan subscribers interested in hands-on experimentation with Google's latest AI-driven browsing agents. However, many early testers have noted that the feature's reliance on user supervision and frequent permission checks limits its autonomous value at this stage. The broader Ultra subscription, meanwhile, is seen as more attractive due to access to the Flow editor and advanced video generation capabilities, features unrelated to Mariner.

No timeline has been given for wider release or availability for Pro-tier accounts, and Google has not yet issued a formal statement about plans to address feedback around speed and automation. Project Mariner’s position within Google’s growing suite of AI-powered productivity tools suggests it is a long-term bet, but for now, it remains an experimental option for a narrow segment of power users.