Google Chrome’s Android browser is finally adopting a design change that Apple’s Safari introduced back in 2021 with iOS 15: the option to move the address bar to the bottom of the screen.
On Tuesday, Google announced that the newest version of Chrome for Android now lets users reposition the address bar to the bottom, offering a more mobile-friendly layout. This feature, previously available on Chrome for iOS, follows Apple’s lead in rethinking browser usability on smartphones.
Google Lets Android Users Decide Address Bar Placement
Learning from Apple’s earlier missteps, Google isn’t imposing the change on everyone. Instead, it’s introducing a new option that allows users to choose where they want the address bar to appear.
To shift the address bar to the bottom of the screen, simply long-press on it and choose the option to move it down. Alternatively, you can adjust its position through Chrome’s Settings menu.
Many users favor this setup because it positions the address bar closer to their thumbs, making it easier and more comfortable to type.
Apple’s Address Bar Redesign Drew User Complaints Over Usability Issues
When Apple initially introduced the update, it faced backlash from some users who criticized the new address bar placement. Positioned over the page content, the bar often obstructed key elements on websites, making them difficult to use. Users reported having to swipe the bar away to access certain features. Others were simply unhappy with the redesign.
In response to the criticism, Apple adjusted the bar’s position to sit below the page content and gave users the option to revert to the previous layout instead of enforcing it by default.
Google is taking a similar approach by letting users decide whether to adopt the new design.
According to the company, the feature will start appearing on Android devices today and will gradually roll out to all users in the coming weeks.
Read the original article on: TechCrunch
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