Google Chrome Web Browser For Android Tablets Gets New Tabs Grid Design, Drag And Drop Support For Files

Google is doubling down on the foldables and tablet form factor by updating its first-party apps with support for the new orientation that offers a lot more real estate to play around with. The latest to get the tablet treatment is the Chrome browser that brings a host of new UI changes including a side-by-side design, a visual tab grid, drag and drop, and more.

Chrome for tablets will include a new side-by-side design “that makes finding the right tab easier in Chrome”. You can use a gesture to easily switch back and forth between tabs. It also has a new visual tab grid that allows for easier search through the hundreds of tabs you keep open. Visual tab grid shows a grid of all open tabs with a preview, instead of showing them in one horizontal stream. 

The new Chrome build for tablets also supports drag-and-drop function to allow users to easily drag images, links, and texts from other apps into Chrome. At present, drag and drop is only available for Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Keep. 

Furthermore, Chrome for tablets will also receive a new toggle to open the desktop version of a website by default, to provide a more desktop-class experience in web browsing. There’s also support for tab groups. 

Google has said the new Chrome features for tablets will be available in the latest version of Chrome for Android tablets. You should see the new version pop up as an update on the Google Play Store. 

“No matter if you prefer using a mouse, a stylus or your finger, the Chrome on Android experience should be as intuitive and familiar on tablets as on your computer or phone. We’re constantly exploring new ways to make it easier and more enjoyable to use Chrome on your Android tablet — whether it’s easier navigation with the visual tab grid, switching to desktop mode or finding the tab quickly,” Google said in a blog post.