Last year, the Google app on Android ditched Chrome Custom Tabs when opening Discover articles and Search results. Google has now redesigned the custom in-app browser with a bottom bar to make it easier to navigate.
While the old design placed controls in the top-right of the app bar, this redesign moves key actions to the bottom. There’s now the ability to navigate backwards and forwards, while “Share” opens the standard Android sheet. The right-most button opens a menu with the same options as before: Refresh, Open in Chrome, Find in page, Browser settings, and Send feedback.
The app bar still has a close button in the left corner, while the HTTPS lock and domain is centered and Google’s bookmark feature is at the right. Meanwhile, both strips hide as you scroll for a clean look.
Google shows no sign of reverting to the previous Chrome Custom Tab implementation that was a universal Android paradigm. This in-app browser approach has its own site settings and the ability to clear browsing data, as well as enable/disable “Safe Browsing.” The only alternative is having all Discover content and Search results open directly in Chrome.
This redesign of the custom browser is rolling out with the latest Google app beta (version 11.43).
More about Google app:
- Google Podcasts gets redesigned Now Playing screen on Android
- Google app on Android prompting you to rate recent search, location results
- Google appears to be testing a ‘cardless’ Discover Feed
- Google Messages is ‘native’ on Samsung Galaxy S21 as Discover is default feed
Author: Abner Li
Source: 9TO5Google
