Google is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its Chrome browser with a new redesign scheduled to start rolling out today across all platforms, Android included. The aesthetic in question is the already seen Material Design 2 revamp that Google has been experimenting with in recent months, with its defining feature being a massive influx of rounded icons and other such shapes, as well as a slightly more colorful color palette. Google claims the majority of the visual changes introduced with this anniversary revamp of Chrome are aimed at improving one’s productivity and are much more than a simple change for change’s sake. The new version of the world’s most popular Internet browser should hence feel more intuitive to use.
Deeper autofill integration is part of the revised package as well, as are additional protection mechanisms meant to ensure the safety of your sensitive information. Regarding the latter, Chrome can now also serve as a full-fledged password manager capable of generating unique and random passwords that you can access from anywhere by simply signing into your Google Account (ideally by using two-factor authentication). Chrome’s Omnibox (URL/search bar) now also promises to deliver more answers on its own, including queries pertaining to things like currency exchange rates, holiday dates, and other simple inquiries that you’d usually be able to have answered without leaving Google.com, with the move apparently being yet another push at making the company’s digital ecosystem more proactive and more difficult to leave. Chrome‘s Omnibox can now also interact with your tabs, i.e. allow you to switch to an open tab if it detects your query has already been answered in one of them.
General performance improvements and bug fixes are on board as well, together with a more versatile shortcut engine that can now be accessed directly from the “New Tab” interface. Tinkerers will also find new experimental options under Chrome’s “Flags” menu, including support for alternative memory management and revamp launch mechanisms. Moving forward, Google will continue integrating artificial intelligence technologies into Chrome with the goal of making everyone’s browsing experience more intuitive, the company said, promising more details on the matter will follow in the near future.