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Chrome for Android Introduces Dedicated Bookmarks Bar for Wide-Screen Devices

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Google Chrome on Android Rolls Out Dedicated Bookmarks Bar for Wide-Screen Devices

Google Chrome on Android has begun rolling out a dedicated bookmarks bar for wide-screen devices, including tablets and foldables. This feature, introduced with version 146, aims to align the mobile browsing experience with its desktop counterpart by providing direct access to saved websites below the omnibox.

Google has implemented a new bookmarks bar for its Chrome browser on Android, specifically targeting larger displays such as those found on tablets and foldable devices. This update is part of an initiative to harmonize the user experience across Chrome's mobile and desktop platforms, streamlining access to saved web pages that previously required navigation through the three-dot menu to the "Bookmarks" section.

Enhancing Access: Key Features of the New Bookmarks Bar

The newly introduced bookmarks bar is positioned directly below the Omnibox, extending across its full width. It's designed for intuitive interaction:

  • Favicons are displayed alongside site names for quick identification.
  • Folders are designed to open inline within the bar, maintaining a seamless browsing flow.
  • An arrow or chevron icon at the end provides access to additional bookmarks that exceed the bar's visible capacity.
  • A dedicated "All bookmarks" option is available to launch the established fullscreen browsing interface for comprehensive management.
  • Long-pressing on any bookmark within the bar will reveal its complete URL, offering immediate insight without navigating away.

How to Activate and Current Availability

Users are required to manually enable the bookmarks bar, as its default setting keeps it hidden on narrower screens, such as those of standard smartphones.

  • To activate the feature, users can navigate to Settings > Appearance > Show bookmarks bar.
  • Some users may find it necessary to force stop Chrome from their device's App Info menu if the Appearance setting does not immediately appear.
  • Google has not announced any plans regarding the availability of this bookmarks bar for standard smartphone displays.

Rolling Out with Chrome Version 146

This significant new feature is being rolled out to users with version 146 of Chrome for Android, bringing a more desktop-like bookmark experience to larger mobile devices.