Chrome for Android Archives

BetaBeacon

January 1, 2026

Why I think a desktop-class Chrome browser for Android would change the whole game

The Chrome browser is considered the center of all activities on Chromebooks, even though ChromeOS has evolved beyond just being a browser. The lack of a desktop-class version of Chrome for Android hinders the usability of Android Desktop and DeX for productivity. Google is expected to release a desktop-class version of Chrome for Android in 2026, which could potentially make phones powerful desktop replacements.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Gemini control to Android: Will we talk to our phones more in 2026?

At the I/O 2025 event, Google presented Project Astra, showcasing its AI, Gemini, which can control Android devices to perform tasks like retrieving web content, playing YouTube videos, managing emails, and making phone calls. The demonstration illustrated Gemini's ability to navigate PDFs and transition between apps. Google introduced a Computer Use model for developers, enabling Gemini to interact with user interfaces in a human-like manner, currently optimized for web browsers. Apple is also enhancing Siri's capabilities to perform actions across multiple apps using voice commands. Google's approach is more generalized and not reliant on prior integrations, aiming to improve user interaction. The new Google Assistant, introduced in 2019, promised to allow voice operation of phones and multitasking across apps but faced challenges and limited adoption. Advancements in generative AI may enable more conversational command issuance, potentially addressing previous limitations. The integration of this technology could significantly impact wearable devices, allowing for phone control and information relay from secondary devices. The future of voice control as a primary interaction method for smartphones remains uncertain.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

Chrome for Android just got its long-awaited dose of Google’s latest redesign

The Material 3 Expressive redesign has launched on Chrome for Android with version 141, featuring a modern aesthetic that aligns with other Google applications. Key updates include a redesigned three-dot menu with circular icons for actions like bookmarking and refreshing, a transformed Tab Grid with rounded elements and clearer groupings, and a dynamic color theme that adapts to the user's wallpaper. Additional enhancements include a segmented progress indicator with rounded corners and a star icon with a rounded square background for bookmarks. The update is server-side, meaning it may not be immediately available even if the Chrome version is 141 or higher. Users can try force-stopping the app to prompt the update.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

Gemini’s new Chrome shortcut instantly summarizes any page on Android

Google has introduced a "Summarize page" feature in Chrome for Android that provides instant AI-generated summaries of web pages. This feature is located within the Gemini overlay and allows users to access quick recaps without switching applications. The option appears above the Gemini input bar, and upon tapping it, users see a summary in a floating window, which can be expanded for more details and allows for follow-up questions. It is compatible with various browsing contexts and is available on both stable and beta versions of Chrome for Android. The summarization capability is powered by Gemini 2.5 Flash and integrates directly into the Chrome browsing experience, eliminating the need for manual URL input. This feature aims to enhance the mobile browsing experience, similar to what desktop Chrome users in the U.S. have experienced.

AppWizard

October 11, 2025

Chrome for Android preps notification silencer for sites you rarely pay attention to

Google is updating Chrome on Android to enhance the Safety Check feature by automatically revoking notification permissions from websites that users rarely interact with. This update aims to reduce unnecessary notifications and improve user experience. Since its launch last year, Safety Check has been upgraded to protect against scam notifications and enhance user security. The new feature will notify users when permissions for notifications are revoked from less frequently visited websites. Additionally, recent updates have simplified the process of unsubscribing from notifications, helping users recognize and avoid potential scams.

AppWizard

September 24, 2025

Chrome for Android now has the same Audio Overviews feature as NotebookLM

Audio Overviews on Chrome for Android condenses long articles into short, podcast-style chats using a dialogue between two AI hosts. This feature is part of the stable release of Chrome for Android (version 140.0.7339.124) and allows users to select “Listen to this page” from the menu to access the Audio Overview mode. The rollout is gradual, and the feature is particularly beneficial for lengthy articles, making information more accessible and enjoyable for users, including those with visual impairments.

BetaBeacon

June 28, 2025

Lilbits: Microsoft is replacing the Blue Screen of Death with a Black one, extensions are coming to Chrome for Android (kind of), and an NES emulator that lets you play classic games in 3D

Most Windows computers have become less crash-prone over the years, but Microsoft still displays a "Blue Screen of Death" when crashes occur. Microsoft is planning to update the crash screen by changing the background from blue to black and providing more useful information to help users understand why their PC stopped working.

BetaBeacon

May 21, 2025

Google’s best-kept secret needs to be a standard Android 16 feature — and it could be game changing

The text discusses the potential for smart glasses to be used as a monitor for Android desktop mode, making a stronger case for their adoption.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Chrome for Android could be getting a major time-saving upgrade to make verification even easier

Chrome for Android is set to introduce an automatic detection and filling feature for SMS-based two-factor authentication codes, aimed at streamlining the user experience. This feature is currently available in the "Canary version" of Chrome but has not yet been activated for all users. Additionally, Google has released Gemini-powered accessibility updates, including expressive captions and an optical character recognition tool for screen readers.

AppWizard

May 16, 2025

Chrome for Android could soon automatically fill verification codes sent via SMS

Google Chrome for Android is set to introduce a feature that will automatically detect and fill two-factor authentication (2FA) codes sent via SMS. This functionality aims to enhance user convenience by eliminating the need for manual copying and pasting of 2FA codes, streamlining the process for users accessing websites through the browser. A screenshot from tipster Leopeva64 suggests this feature will provide a more integrated approach to online security. While SMS-based 2FA is considered less secure than alternatives, this addition could significantly improve the experience for users who rely on SMS for verification.