Google is preparing to give Chrome a makeover, and has started testing parts of the redesign.
One of the most immediately noticeable changes concerns the web browser’s tabs, 9to5Google has discovered, after the changes were spotted by a Twitter user. Google appears to be experimenting with a softer, more rounded look than the current version of Chrome offers.
Related: Gmail’s next big feature will see emails self-destruct
Right now, Chrome tabs are much more sharp and angular, and the test design feels a little friendlier and more modern. The new look also fits in nicely with the upcoming Gmail redesign, which will bring more curves and rounded buttons to the email service.
Those new Chrome tabs in the Material Design refresh are looking goooood pic.twitter.com/NmoRiLmeWy
— ⚡️ Owen (@ow) April 21, 2018
An updated Google document detailing the “Material Design Refresh” it is planning to bring to its services has also been spotted, providing glimpses of what else there is to look forward to as Google sets about bringing a consistent look to all of its products and services.
You can check out Chrome’s new look by downloading Chrome Canary, visiting chrome://flags/#top-chrome-md and enabling “refresh”, though it only appears to work on Windows at the moment.
We’ll no doubt learn a lot more at Google I/O 2018 on May 8.
What do you think of Google’s Material Design Refresh plans? Share your thoughts @TrustedReviews.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
