Google enhances multitasking experience with minimized in-app Chrome tabs
What's the story
Google has announced a significant update to its Chrome browser, introducing a feature known as 'Minimized Custom Tabs.' This innovative tool allows users to effortlessly switch between a native app and their web content with just one tap. The Custom Tab transforms into a small, picture-in-picture window that floats above the native app content when activated.
Enhanced browsing
The new feature will boost app engagement
The new feature is built around the use of Custom Tabs, a pre-existing feature in Android browsers that allows app developers to create a personalized browser experience within their apps. Unlike opening the user's browser or a WebView, which lacks full support for all web platform features, Custom Tabs enable users to browse while staying within their app. This could potentially boost app engagement and decrease the chances of users leaving the app.
Seamless integration
It aims to simplify app-to-web transition
Turning the Custom Tab into a picture-in-picture window would make shifting to the web experience feel more natural and integrated within the native app. This could be beneficial for developers directing customers to websites for account or subscription sign-ups, as it simplifies navigation between website and native app. When minimized, the Custom Tab can be docked off to one side of the screen. When maximized, users can tap on the down arrow to shrink it to the picture-in-picture window again.
Integration efforts
Google's broader effort to integrate web access in Android
This update is part of Google's wider initiative to make web access more integrated within Android. With features like 'Circle to Search' and other AI-powered integrations, users can navigate to the web using gestures such as circling or highlighting items. The new feature is being rolled out in the latest version of Chrome (M124) and will be automatically applied wherever developers are currently using Chrome's Custom Tabs.