Chrome introduces Minimized Custom Tabs for enhanced in-app browsing

Google today announced the introduction of Minimized Custom Tabs in the latest Chrome release. This new feature aims to improve the multi-tasking experience within mobile apps that utilize Chrome Custom Tabs for in-app web browsing.

Launched in 2016, Chrome Custom Tabs are a feature within the Chrome browser designed specifically for mobile apps. They allow app developers to integrate a customized web browser experience directly within their apps. This offers advantages such as faster loading times and a more consistent look and feel that aligns with the app's design.

Minimized Custom Tabs builds upon the existing functionality of Chrome Custom Tabs. It allows users to minimize a Custom Tab into a compact, picture-in-picture (PIP) style window. This window floats on top of the app's interface, enabling users to continue browsing web content while simultaneously interacting with the app itself.

Users can minimize a Custom Tab by tapping on a new down arrow button within the Chrome Custom Tab toolbar. This shrinks the tab into a floating window that can be easily repositioned on the screen. Tapping on the minimized window expands it back to its original size, allowing users to resume browsing in full-screen mode.

Benefits of Minimized Custom Tabs

Enhanced Multitasking: Minimized Custom Tabs allow users to seamlessly switch between the app and the web content displayed in the Custom Tab. This can be beneficial for tasks that require referencing information online while still being able to interact with the app.

Improved User Experience: The ability to minimize and easily access Custom Tabs can potentially lead to a more convenient and efficient in-app browsing experience.

This change is implemented within the Chrome browser itself (version M124 onwards). Therefore, app developers who already utilize Chrome Custom Tabs will automatically see the Minimized Custom Tabs functionality appear within their apps. No additional code integration is required. This is a browser-level change, and Google hopes that other web browsers will adopt similar features in the future.

The introduction of Minimized Custom Tabs in Chrome represents a step towards a more versatile in-app browsing experience. By enabling users to effortlessly switch between app functionality and web content, this feature has the potential to improve multi-tasking and user convenience within mobile apps.

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