Given its large user base, Google We rarely make big changes to its browser interface. However, an ongoing redesign plans to “modernize” Android’s Chrome Omnibox, with the end result looking a lot like Pixel Launcher.
12/10 update: Since September, Google’s work on redesigning the address bar has continued and is now undergoing more extensive A/B testing. One of my devices received naturally with the current stable release (Chromium 108), and a beta version (version 109) is also available. The company hasn’t committed to a launch, but wider availability is a good sign.
After using it for the past few days, I’m amazed at how similar it is to the recently rolled out integrated Pixel Launcher search. Android 13 QPR1The resemblance was so jarring that I thought I was on the wrong screen.
LR: Pixel Launcher, Current Chrome, New Chrome
The boxless search field has a colorful version of the “G” logo and voice/lens shortcuts on the right. The list layout is the same, with icons on the left and arrows on the other.
Original 9/22: When Chrome was released in 2008, one of the design peculiarities was having only one field for entering and viewing URLs and searching the web. Google calls it Omnibox, and in recent years hasChrome actionsLinks to key browser settings. This joins the way the box already displays quick answers for selecting queries and images.
At least since Chrome 105 (currently stable) there is a flag called “Omnibox Modernize Visual Update”. Only available for Android, chrome://flags/#omnibox-modernize-visual-update “You will see a new visually updated UI.”
Chromium 108 (canary) offers the most advanced design with three “effective” variants in addition to the common options.
The existing design is a very friendly list of URLs and search suggestions. This doesn’t really change with the revamp, but each result is placed on a card (with a darker background) to make it easier to distinguish items. In addition, the top and bottom cards have rounded corners. This design is somewhat nostalgic. Integrated Pixel Launcher search It is published in Android 13 QPR1 Beta. Consistency is an interesting approach.
The “no active color omnibox” variant/flag, on the other hand, interestingly removes the pill-shaped container for a look that really mimics the Pixel Launcher lookup.
In the description, Google specifically states, “This flag is for step 1 of the Clank Omnibox improvement plan.” This strongly suggests that Google has further plans that could affect his Omnibox functionality as well.
As with all flags, this omnibox redesign in Chrome for Android may not actually fire.That being said, it’s not a visual deviation Chrome Duplex/Duetso the odds are definitely better.
Details for Chrome:
Thanks RKBDI and Michael!
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