Google introduces “minimized custom tabs” to enhance Chrome browser experience

Google is rolling out a major update to its Chrome browser, introducing a “Minimized Custom Tabs” feature to improve user experience.

This new feature is expected to allow users to switch between a native app and web content with a simple tap, turning the Custom Tab into a small, picture-in-picture window that floats above the app content.

The feature is designed to enhance the use of Custom Tabs, which are already popular in Android browsers. Custom Tabs lets app developers create a customized browser experience within their app, unlike WebView, which lacks full web support. This keeps users engaged in the app while they browse the web.

For developers, “Minimized Custom Tabs” can increase user engagement and reduce the risk of users leaving the app and not returning. Turning the Custom Tab into a picture-in-picture window makes the web browsing experience feel more integrated, like part of the native app. This is especially useful for tasks like account sign-ups or subscriptions, where users need to switch between a website and an app.

When minimized, the Custom Tab can be docked to the side of the screen. Users can maximize the page to view it fully and then shrink it back to the picture-in-picture window with a tap.

This update is part of Google’s broader effort to make web access more seamless on Android. With features like Circle to Search and other AI-powered tools, users can easily navigate the web using simple gestures.

The “Minimized Custom Tabs” feature is included in the latest version of Chrome (M124) and will automatically apply wherever developers are using Chrome’s Custom Tabs. Google hopes other browser makers will adopt similar features to improve web browsing for all users.