Google has rolled out two new enhancements for its Chrome browser: vertical tabs and a reading mode. The company shared this news in a blog post, highlighting the goal of boosting productivity for users. Vertical tabs optimize tab management efficiency, while the reading mode minimizes on-screen distractions.
To activate vertical tabs in Google Chrome, users can simply right-click within the browser window and choose the “Show Tabs Vertically” option. This action relocates tabs to the left side of the screen, enabling users to easily view full page titles and organize tab groups even with numerous tabs open. The functionality of vertical tabs is akin to traditional horizontal tabs and is ideal for multitasking, according to Google.
In addition to vertical tabs, Google has introduced a reading mode to create a more focused and distraction-free browsing experience. By right-clicking on any page and selecting “Open in reading mode,” users can engage this feature. Once enabled, the browser eliminates visual disturbances like ads and pop-ups that disrupt reading, transforming a cluttered webpage into an immersive, text-centric view.
These updates come at a time when web pages, particularly news sites, are increasingly cluttered with ads and subscription prompts. Google’s recent enhancements extend beyond its browser, with the introduction of various AI-powered features. Notably, Google Maps now leverages its Gemini AI to automatically generate captions for user-shared photos and videos, providing users with a starting point for content contribution. Caption suggestions are initially available in English on iOS in the U.S., with plans for expansion to more regions and Android devices soon.
Simultaneously, Google quietly launched an offline-first dictation app named “Google AI Edge Eloquent” on iOS. This free-to-download app offers real-time transcription, utilizing on-device AI to enhance speech clarity by removing filler words and improving overall quality.