Google has launched three new productivity features for its desktop Chrome browser: Split View, PDF annotation, and direct saving to Google Drive. These additions are designed to enhance user experience, streamline workflows, and integrate Chrome more deeply with other Google online services. The features have been progressively rolling out and are now broadly accessible with Chrome version 145.
Split View
The Split View feature allows users to open two tabs side-by-side within the same browser window, aimed at reducing constant tab switching and facilitating multitasking.
- Activation: Users can activate Split View by right-clicking a URL and selecting "Open Link in Split View," or by dragging a tab to the left or right edge of the browser window.
- Interface: The interface displays two panes below the Omnibox. The URL updates based on the active pane. A dedicated Split View icon appears to the left of the address bar, offering options to separate, close, or reverse the view. The width of the panes is adjustable.
- Use Cases: This feature supports tasks such as taking notes while watching a video or having a meeting window open alongside a document.
PDF Annotation
Chrome's integrated PDF Viewer now includes annotation capabilities, enabling users to highlight text and add notes directly within PDF documents without needing to download the file.
- Functionality: Users can select the squiggle icon in the top toolbar to begin annotating. Options for adjusting annotation size and color are available.
- Benefits: This eliminates the requirement to download PDFs and use external applications for minor edits, quick notes, digital signatures, or form filling.
Save to Google Drive
A "Save to Google Drive" option has been added to the top bar of Chrome's PDF Viewer, allowing users to save PDF files directly to their Google Drive accounts.
- Process: Users can select the destination account for the file.
- Organization: Saved files are automatically placed in a "Saved from Chrome" folder within Google Drive.
Broader Context
While these specific features do not directly involve AI, Google previously integrated its Gemini AI assistant into Chrome. These developments occur amidst a competitive environment where AI providers are exploring agentic browsers, which has influenced Google to enhance its consumer-facing features. Google Chrome is also expected to adopt support for vertical tabs, a feature present in competing browsers.