Google Chrome is gearing up for some user-friendly improvements, particularly for Android users. Two key updates are making waves: the return of the bottom-aligned address bar and a new “Autofill with AI” feature. Both aim to make browsing smoother and more intuitive.

Return of the Bottom Address Bar in Chrome for Android

For years, many Android users have been asking Google to return the option to move the address bar to the bottom of the screen. Originally removed in 2020, this feature was popular among users who found it easier to navigate with one hand, especially on larger phones. Now, it seems Google is listening. According to an APK teardown of Chrome’s latest Canary build by tech leaker @Leopeva64, placeholders suggest the bottom address bar option is coming back.

This long-requested feature will soon be available directly from the URL bar’s context menu or through the kebab menu, making switching between top and bottom positions even easier. Previously, Chrome on iOS has allowed users to move the address bar to the bottom for years, and Firefox has a similar feature. Surprisingly, Android has lagged, but it seems that’s about to change.

The new menu that will allow you to copy the link or move the address bar to the top/bottom is now available in Chrome Canary for Android, but the options don’t work yet:https://t.co/PdtxH5SuVL pic.twitter.com/PBglqcG4Xd

— Leopeva64 (@Leopeva64) October 10, 2024

This return of the bottom-aligned address bar will make the browsing experience more ergonomic, especially for people with smaller hands or those who prefer using their phones one-handed. Once this feature reaches the public release, switching the bar’s location without digging into the settings will become a reality, providing a more customizable experience.

AI-Powered Autofill: A Smarter Way to Fill Forms

Another exciting update in Chrome is the introduction of AI-enhanced autofill for forms and credentials. Chrome has always featured an integrated credentials manager that automatically saves passwords, suggests strong ones, and fills them in securely. But Google is pushing this functionality further by incorporating artificial intelligence.

Google has been steadily incorporating AI across its products, and Chrome is no exception. Recently, the company started using AI to enhance features like theming and search, and now it’s being applied to form autofill as well. According to commits spotted by @Leopeva64 on the Chromium Gerrit, Google has been working on an AI-driven autofill system that can adapt to different types of forms more intelligently.

The “Autofill prediction improvements” subsection has been renamed “Autofill with AI” in Chrome Canary, and the description now mentions the same disclaimers that appear in other AI-powered features:https://t.co/28fo5WW0xL pic.twitter.com/64Ymh8wI4S

— Leopeva64 (@Leopeva64) October 11, 2024

One common issue with form autofill is slight variations between form fields, like when a website asks for your street address before your house number. Chrome’s new AI system will be able to recognize these variations and fill out forms more accurately. Although still in the early stages, the new feature, called “Autofill with AI,” is being tested in the Chrome Canary build.

The AI-based autofill system aims to improve the way Chrome processes user data on-device, providing more accurate suggestions when filling in forms. This update not only makes it easier to fill in details like passwords or addresses, but it also ensures that the data remains secure. Interestingly, while the AI processes the form data on-device, some of the information will be sent to Google servers for further improvements. This might involve human reviewers examining data to help the AI become better at predicting the correct input for forms.

AI’s Expanding Role in Google Chrome

Google’s reliance on AI to improve Chrome’s user experience is growing. In addition to autofill, AI is already enhancing several aspects of the browser. The AI-powered theming options and enhanced search capabilities are already live, making Chrome more intuitive. With the introduction of “Autofill with AI,” the browser will now offer even more personalized, secure, and smart suggestions.

By moving away from static autofill data and relying on AI, Chrome can avoid repetitive mistakes like storing multiple variations of an address for different websites. This smart approach eliminates the need for manually adjusting details for slightly different form formats, offering a seamless experience for users.

Conclusion: A Better Chrome Experience Ahead

Google Chrome’s upcoming updates will significantly improve the browsing experience for Android users. The return of the bottom address bar and the new AI-powered autofill feature are just the latest examples of how Google is focusing on usability and personalization.

With these changes, Chrome will become more adaptable to individual user preferences, whether it’s about the ease of reaching the address bar or how forms are filled in. As AI continues to evolve, Google Chrome remains at the forefront of integrating this technology to make browsing smarter, faster, and more efficient. Expect these features to roll out soon, providing a smoother, more responsive Chrome experience for everyone.