Google tests search improvements in Duet UI with copy, share buttons

The changes too movement the URL our of the search bar

Google Chrome Duet interface

Google is adding a small tweak to the new Chrome for Android 'Duet' interface it'south testing that improves the browser'due south search experience.

For those unfamiliar with Duet, it's an interface that moves some of Chrome'southward most important controls — such as access to tabs, search and the overflow menu — to the lesser of the screen. This makes it much easier to reach those controls on a big phone.

Duet was previously codenamed Duplex, but Google changed that afterwards announcing Google Duplex to avoid confusion.

On the topic of avoiding confusion, the new changes to search hope to make it more transparent to users how they can interact with the omnibox.

In Duet, if you tap the search icon, it opens the keyboard and highlights the electric current URL in the omnibox. However, this left some users confused every bit information technology wasn't clear they could starting time typing right away.

A new flag added to Chrome Dev and Chrome Canary changes this. Instead, the omnibox says 'Search or blazon web address' to make it articulate to users they can begin typing immediately.

Chrome Duet search changes (left: old, right: new)

Additionally, the current URL is now displayed below the search bar along with controls to edit or share. Further, at that place should exist a copy icon besides, merely that didn't show up for me.

Some users accept argued this tweak emphasizes search over the URL, which tin be an essential tool when it comes to verifying if the website y'all're visiting is legitimate.

Withal, the change should amend usability for nigh people, and information technology doesn't obscure the URL, just moves it a bit lower on the screen.

Since Google is testing the feature as a flag, if you want to examination it out, y'all can. To do and then, make sure you're using the Chrome Dev or Chrome Canary app. Then, navigate to 'chrome://flags' and search for 'search set up.' Alternatively, you tin can re-create this URL into your Chrome browser: chrome://flags/#enable-search-ready-omnibox.

You'll besides need to plough on the Duet flag if you haven't already. You lot can discover information technology by searching 'Duet' on the flags folio.

Source: Android Police force