Due to its large user base, Google Major changes rarely happen to the browser interface. However, a redesign plan is in development to “update” the Chrome Omnibox on Android, and the end result looks a lot like the Pixel Launcher.
Update 12/10: Since September, Google has been redesigning the address bar and is now conducting A/B testing on a larger scale. One of my devices received it normally in the current stable version (Chrome 108), although it was also published in beta (v109). The company hasn’t committed to a release, but the wide availability is a good sign.
After using it for the past few days, I was blown away by how much it looked like a unified search for Pixel Launcher Android 13 QPR1🇧🇷 The similarity can be so annoying I thought I scrolled to the wrong screen.
LR: Pixel Launcher, the current Chrome, the new Chrome
The search fields, which don’t contain any boxes, have a color version of the “G” logo and audio/lens shortcuts on the right. The menu layout is identical too, with an icon on the left and an arrow on the other side.
Original 09/22: When Chrome was released in 2008, the standout design aspect was that there was only one field for entering/displaying URLs and searching the web. Google called this box the Omnibox, and over the past few years they’ve been working to make it even more useful by adding “Chrome ActionsWhich connects to the main browser settings. This adds to how the box already displays quick responses to select queries and images.
Since Chrome is at least 105 (currently stable), there is a flag called “Omnibox Update Preview”. only available for Android, chrome://flags/#omnibox-modernize-visual-update “It will feature a new and visually updated user interface.”
Chrome 108 (Canary) offers the most advanced design with three “enabled” variants in addition to the global option.
The current design is a very clear list of URLs and search suggestions. This doesn’t really change with regeneration, but each hit is placed on a card (with a dark background) to help the elements stand out. In addition, the top and bottom cards feature rounded corners. This design is somewhat reminiscent of Unified search Pixel Launcher This is in Android 13 QPR1 Beta. Consistency is an interesting approach.
Meanwhile, the “no active multicolored squares” variable/flag interestingly removes the pill-shaped container for a look that truly mimics Pixel Launcher’s search.
In the description, Google specifically says that “This tag is for Step 1 of the Clank Omnibox Renewal Plan”. We strongly recommend that Google plan further planning, which may also affect the functionality of the omnibox.
As with all flags, the generic Chrome square redesign for Android may not work. However, it is less of a visual match than it is. Double/double chromeThe odds are definitely better.
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Thank you RKBDI and Michael!
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