Chrome address bar looks like Pixel Launcher search with upcoming redesign - 9to5Google

1 year ago 70

Given the ample idiosyncratic base, Google rarely makes large changes to the interface of its browser. However, 1 in-development redesign plans to “modernize” the Chrome Omnibox connected Android, and the extremity effect looks a batch similar the Pixel Launcher.

Update 12/10: Since September, Google’s enactment connected the code barroom redesign has continued and it’s present being much wide A/B tested. One of my devices received it people connected the existent unchangeable merchandise (Chrome 108), portion it’s besides unrecorded successful beta (version 109). The institution hasn’t committed to launching, but the wider availability is simply a bully indication.

After utilizing it for the past fewer days, I’m struck by however overmuch it looks similar the unified Pixel Launcher hunt that conscionable rolled retired with Android 13 QPR1. The similarity tin beryllium rather jarring, and I thought I navigated to the incorrect screen.

L-R: Pixel Launcher, Chrome current, Chrome new

The hunt fields, which are box-less, diagnostic a colorful mentation of the “G” logo and voice/Lens shortcuts astatine the right. The database layout is besides identical with an icon astatine the near and arrow connected the different side.

Original 9/22: When Chrome launched successful 2008, 1 signature facet of the plan was however determination was conscionable 1 tract for entering/viewing URLs and searching the web. Google dubbed this the Omnibox and successful caller years has been moving to marque it much adjuvant by adding “Chrome Actions” that nexus to cardinal browser settings. This joins however the container already shows speedy answers to prime queries and pictures.

Since astatine slightest Chrome 105 (currently successful stable), there’s a emblem called “Omnibox Modernize Visual Update.” Only disposable for Android, chrome://flags/#omnibox-modernize-visual-update “will amusement a caller UI which is visually updated.”

Chrome 108 (Canary) offers the astir evolved plan with 3 “Enabled” variants successful summation to the wide option.

The existing plan is simply a precise straightforward database of URL and hunt suggestions. That’s not truly changing with the revamp, but each effect gets placed successful a paper (with darker background) to assistance separate items. Additionally, the apical and bottommost cards diagnostic rounded corners. This plan is alternatively reminiscent of the unified Pixel Launcher search that’s unrecorded successful the Android 13 QPR1 Beta. The consistency is an absorbing approach.

Meanwhile, the “no progressive colour omnibox” variant/flag interestingly removes the pill-shaped instrumentality for a look that truly mimics Pixel Launcher lookup.

In the description, Google notably says that “this emblem is for the measurement 1 successful the Clank Omnibox revamp plan.” It highly suggests that Google has much planned that mightiness besides interaction Omnibox functionality.

Like with each flags, this Omnibox redesign successful Chrome for Android mightiness not really launch. That said, it’s little of a ocular departure than Chrome Duplex/Duet, truthful the likelihood are decidedly better.