Chrome's upcoming bottom address bar for Android is already looking weird

Important points

Chrome for Android will bring back the bottom address bar option, but it will reportedly make the process of copying links more complicated.
The pre-beta Canary build introduced an omnibox long-press menu that combines copy link and address bar move options.
Google’s decision makes little sense in that it makes common tasks more complex to include niche features.

A surprising section of Chrome for Android users have been calling for the return of the optional bottom-aligned address bar since it was removed in 2020. To their satisfaction, a recent APK teardown revealed that just such an option exists within the Chrome Canary build of Android. But there’s a catch.

Instead of holding a niche but beloved feature hostage, the developers have apparently moved the single-tap “Copy Link” tool into a long-press menu that includes both Copy Link and Move New Address Bar. It appears that they are planning to punish all users of Chrome for Android by making this change. “Lowest” option (by Twitter/X user @Leopeva64). I can’t think of it.

The old Reddit site opens in Google Chrome on a Pixel 6 on a green carpet.

Lowest priority? Chrome for Android address bar redesign is overdue

We are so used to the address bar at the top of mobile browsers that we don’t realize how useful the bar at the bottom is

sacrificing a ton of user experience for vague fan servicec

What does it cost to prevent a dislocated thumb?

This change is, to put it simply, strange. The top placement of the address bar is standard for all major browsers on all major operating systems. Android Police and its readers have great respect for power users and customization, but why is Google making the types of frequently accessed UI tweaks just a click away from the main browser window? It’s unclear whether they think it’s worth it.

Testing the Android beta of Arc Search made me want to quit Chrome

Arc on Android still has a long way to go

I prefer the browser bar to be either at the top or at the bottom. Switching between the two doesn’t seem like the kind of functionality that many users will use repeatedly during their browsing sessions. What’s more, you may even need to get used to it in the following cases: already know If you prefer bottom alignment.

Even if the UI team decides it’s too important to bury deep in a settings menu, it might be hidden a little off the main path. For example, hide it only in the kebab menu. Did you know that’s what the three-dot menu in the top right corner is called? — Copy the URL of the current page to share with friends, post on social media, or add to notes for posterity It does not interfere with simple tasks such as doing things.

But that’s not the worst thing. According to the code review, repositioning the address bar is In addition to the pop-up address bar long press menu,[設定]It will also appear on the menu. What’s going on with Google’s Developer Clubhouse?

Why do I need to double the location settings just to copy the patella quick link?

Implementing Chrome Canary doesn’t mean a feature is guaranteed to roll out, but precedent shows that there are actually only a limited number of days when a one-tap copy link button can exist. . Chrome for iOS has allowed bottom address bar placement for six years and requires TestFlight beta registration and flag activation, but in exactly the same way.[リンクのコピー]Cannibalize the convenience of.

What an unusual way to sacrifice a smooth interface experience for almost everyone to give the most loyal users the functionality they want.