When it comes to new features and changes to Chrome, it all starts with the Chrome Dev channel. Then it moves into the beta channel and finally the stable channel. This means that those that want to be on the bleeding edge can see exactly what Google is working on in the Dev and Beta versions of Chrome.
It appears that in the latest update to the Chrome Dev app for Android, that the bookmarks widget has gotten an overhaul. It’s now a bit more material design and is also a list instead of a 4×3 grid of tiles that typically show a thumbnail of the site. The old widget wasn’t bad looking, but it was in need of an update. Seeing as it has looked like that for quite a few years. Now we have a nice looking list that you can use to jump to your favorite sites, without opening Chrome. What’s better than that?
Right now the Chrome Dev version is sitting on version 51. That’s about two versions ahead of the stable version, which is at 49. Which means it’ll likely be late May before we see it hit the stable version. Of course it will hit the beta version before then. We may see it change a bit before it hits the stable version, based on feedback from users that are currently using the Chrome Dev version. There’s not much changing here on the bookmarks widget, as far as what links it is showing you, instead of it being a vertical list now. Your bookmarks aren’t going to change around at all. So if you were hoping that this would help organize them, you’ll want to think again. As the changes here are just aesthetic.
If you want to use this version of Chrome, you can download it from the Google Play Store. But be warned that this version will have bugs and stability issues. As this is essentially an alpha build of Chrome. So it’s best not to run it on your daily driver. Much like Android N is an alpha version. But that won’t stop people from using it.