Google Chrome for Android Stealthily Introduces a Desktop-Like Bookmarks Bar
Google Chrome's Hidden Feature: Android Gets a Desktop-Style Bookmarks Bar
Google has quietly rolled out a new feature in its Chrome browser for Android, adding a bookmarks bar that closely resembles the desktop experience. This update, spotted by early adopters, is currently available in the latest beta version of Chrome for Android, version 120.
The new bookmarks bar appears at the top of the screen when users tap the bookmark icon in the address bar, offering a familiar navigation experience for those accustomed to the desktop version of Chrome.
Background
Chrome for Android has long been a popular mobile browser, known for its speed and integration with Google services. However, it has historically lagged behind its desktop counterpart in terms of features, particularly in the bookmarking and tab management departments.
In recent years, Google has been gradually bridging this gap, introducing features like side-by-side tab viewing and a more intuitive tab management interface. The addition of a desktop-style bookmarks bar is the latest step in this direction.
Key Developments
The bookmarks bar was first discovered in Chrome for Android’s beta version 120, released in early December 2023. It is not yet available in the stable version of the browser, but it is expected to roll out to all users in the coming weeks.
Currently, the bookmarks bar only appears when users tap the bookmark icon in the address bar. It displays frequently visited websites and saved bookmarks in a horizontal list, similar to the desktop experience. This feature is optional and can be toggled on or off in the browser settings.
Impact
This update primarily affects Chrome users on Android devices, particularly those who frequently use bookmarks for navigation. The new bookmarks bar will make it easier to access favorite websites, potentially increasing browsing efficiency and user satisfaction.
Power users and those who rely heavily on bookmarks for productivity may find this feature particularly useful, as it reduces the number of taps required to navigate to frequently visited sites. However, casual users may not notice a significant change in their browsing experience.
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What Next
Google has not yet announced an official release date for the stable version of Chrome for Android that includes the bookmarks bar. However, given the feature’s presence in the beta version, it is likely to roll out to all users in the first quarter of 2024.
Future updates may include additional customization options, such as the ability to pin specific bookmarks or rearrange the order of the bar. Google may also introduce this feature to Chrome for other platforms, such as iOS, in the future.
