Google has announced an update for the version of Chrome on mobile devices, both Android and iOS. These improvements are designed to optimize the search and browsing experience, taking better advantage of the capabilities of modern mobile devices.
The company’s intention is to make the search bar have smarter optionsto highlight the results that most interest users, provide quick actions and present a new design for tablets, where navigation is different from cell phones.
- Quick Actions for Local Businesses
One of the most notable features is the introduction of new Quick Actions in local business search results. This feature creates contextual buttons that allow users to quickly and easily perform common tasks directly from search results.
For example, when searching for a restaurant, users will see buttons to call, get directions, and read reviews without needing to go to the business’s website.
- Redesigned address bar on tablets
Google has redesigned the Chrome address bar for tablets, both on iPad and Android devices. The new address bar is designed to make better use of the extra space on larger screens and follows Google’s Material You design line.
Now, when users interact with the address bar, the web page they are viewing remains visible below the drop-down menu, allowing for more fluid and convenient navigation. This update ensures that users can quickly return to the previous web page if they choose to do so.
- Custom shortcut suggestions
Another significant improvement is the introduction of custom shortcut suggestions in Chrome’s address bar, available on both Android and iOS. This feature helps users navigate to websites based on their previous search patterns.
For example, If a user typically types “schedules” to search for City Metro schedules, this site will appear higher in search suggestions. This type of customization is designed to save time and make navigation more intuitive and efficient.
- Trending searches on iOS
Google has also extended trending searches to Chrome on iOS devices, a feature that was already available on Android. This feature displays popular search suggestions directly in the address bar, providing users with insight into the most common searches in real time.
These suggestions appear below recent searches when you click the address bar from the new tab page. This update allows users to discover new topics and stay up to date with current search trends.
- Sports cards in the Discover Feed
Finally, Google has introduced live sports cards to Chrome’s Discover Feed, available on both iOS and Android. These cards will show automatic updates about the matches of the user’s favorite teams, including real-time results and highlights from recent games.
Users can customize this feature by selecting the three-dot menu in the Chrome mobile app.
All of these changes are already available on Android devices, so users will notice them progressively and it will be important to keep the Chrome application updated to see the improvements.
For iPhone and iPad users, the news is also available, with the exception of search suggestions for local businesses. This feature will be enabled for these devices between August and November of this year.
