Google planning ‘major’ Chrome redesign

By Andrew Couts February 21, 2011

Google is reportedly planning a significant redesign of its Chrome browser, reports ConceivablyTech. The design changes could include doing away with the URL bar, as well as enabling support for multiple profiles that can be used at the same time.

According to Google product manager Jeff Chang, the search giant is considering a number of different design layouts for both the Chrome browser and the Chrome operating system. One of those designs, aptly named “compact,” does not include an independent URL bar. Instead, that space is incorporated into a single bar, along with the “nav,” “search” and “menus” buttons.

In addition to the “compact” design, Google is also considering three other versions: the “classic,” which is essentially the same as the current version; “sidetab,” which moves the buttons and URL space to the left side of the browser; and the “touch” version, which is specifically designed for touchscreen devices.

Google is reportedly considering the development of all four styles of Chrome, but are currently “focused on classic and compact navigation styles.”

google-chrome-redesign — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Design mockups also seem to indicate that Chrome will allow users to login with multiple Google accounts at the same time. Currently, Google users can only sign in with one account at a time. These changes will reportedly be enabled through the “profile” section under the “personal stuff” tab.

If implemented, the design changes will be the most major update to Chrome’s user interface since its launch in 2008.

According to the most recent estimates, Chrome still lags far behind Mozilla’s Firefox browser and Mircrosoft’s Internet Explorer. But it’s making gains. In January, Chrome burst past 10 percent of the global market share — that’s twice as high as its share of the market last year.

All versions of Internet Explorer combined eat up 56 percent of the market — down from 57 percent in December of last year — while Firefox comes in second at 22.75 percent. Apple’s Safari claims 6.3 percent of the market, and Opera falls in last place with 2.28 percent.

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Google Chrome, one of the most popular web browsers, underwent a significant redesign known as "Material You" a few months ago. While some users embraced the changes, others found them unappealing and disruptive to their browsing experience.

If you fall into the latter category and miss the classic Chrome design, there's good news – you can easily revert to the old layout with a few simple steps. We'll walk you through the process of switching back to the classic Google Chrome design.
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