In terms of search, no one can beat Google, and when it comes to browsers, Chrome is pretty darn comfortable at the top. That’s good news for Google, but not so good if you want a vibrant marketplace with many solid options. Google has been under pressure from regulators for years to make Android more of a platform where users can choose their own providers, rather than relying solely on Google services. Google is now working on some changes for its Chrome browser that aim to make it easier for users to choose their default browser and search engine.
Google Chrome has for a long time been the most popular browser. But regulators want to give users more options to use other browsers too, if they want. Recently Google has had to show users screens to help them select different browsers and search engines on Android phones. Now Google is adding a new way to do this choice directly in the Chrome browser itself.
Engineers at Google are developing a new screen right in the Chrome browser where you can select your default browser and search provider. Right now this screen is still being built and isn’t working yet. It also needs to be connected to Google’s back-end systems. Google may show this new screen to Chrome users who didn’t choose other options when first setting up their Android device. Or Google may want all Chrome users to see it, to stay ahead of regulators who want to limit Google’s power.
We don’t know yet exactly how Google will show this new selection screen to users. But it seems like a helpful way to make the choice easier directly in the popular Chrome browser. Google will likely want users to stick with Chrome and Google Search, but this new screen aims to address criticisms that users don’t get real options. It will be interesting to see how the screen develops further and how users respond once fully launched.
