Chrome Rolls Out Split View and PDF Tools in Browser Push

Google launched three new features for its Chrome browser on Thursday, aiming to make daily tasks smoother as competition from other browsers grows. The updates include Split View for handling two tabs at once, tools to mark up PDFs right in the browser, and a way to save files straight to Google Drive. These changes hit desktops first and come at a time when Chrome holds about 65% of the market but faces pressure from Microsoft Edge and newer options like Arc.

Background

Chrome has long been the top browser people use for work and play. It runs on billions of devices worldwide, from laptops to phones. But lately, other browsers have added handy tools that pull users away. Microsoft Edge started offering split-screen views back in 2023, letting people see two pages side by side without extra hassle. Arc, a browser aimed at creative types, has won fans with clean designs and quick ways to handle tabs.

Google saw this shift. Chrome users often switch between tabs or apps for simple jobs like reading a page while taking notes or editing a document. Early tests with these new features showed real help. Teachers graded papers faster by keeping student work and grade sheets open together. Developers checked code docs without jumping windows. Viewers took notes on videos without pausing. These stories point to a need for better flow in everyday browsing.

The browser market feels the heat too. New players backed by AI firms are testing agent-like browsers that do more than just load pages. Chrome already has Gemini AI built in for questions and tasks. This week's rollout builds on that, focusing on basic work tools without new AI tricks. It follows last month's push of AI features to Chromebooks. Vertical tabs, another rival feature, sit in testing now via a special flag users can flip on.

Key Details

Split View for Easier Multitasking

Split View lets you drag a tab to the side of the Chrome window or right-click a link and pick 'Open Link in Split View.' The two tabs snap into place, filling the screen evenly. You can compare sites, watch a video on one side while writing on the other, or reference info without alt-tabbing. To close it, right-click and select the exit option. No need for extra windows or monitors. This cuts down on the back-and-forth that slows people down during research or note-taking.

PDF Annotations Built In

Chrome's PDF viewer now handles highlights, notes, drawings, and signatures without downloads or outside apps. Open a PDF, and tools appear to mark text or add comments on the spot. Workers in Google Workspace benefit most. They can review reports, sign forms, or note key parts of a syllabus all in one place. Before, users grabbed Adobe tools or extensions. Now, changes happen fast inside Chrome, ready to share via Drive.

Save to Google Drive

The third tool sends PDFs right to Google Drive instead of your computer's downloads folder. Files land in a 'Saved from Chrome' spot for easy finds later. It works across devices if you sync your account, like bookmarks do now. No more lost files or digging through folders. This ties Chrome closer to Drive, keeping everything in Google's lineup.

These features roll out globally on desktops for both regular and work users. Enterprise admins get controls to manage them, much like AI settings in recent updates.

"Split view is already helping people multitask and get more done on the web. One teacher told us they use it to more easily grade papers in the classroom."
— Chrome product team

What This Means

For most Chrome users, these tools mean less jumping between apps. You stay in the browser for reading, noting, and saving, which saves seconds that add up over a day. Office workers fill forms or review docs without extra steps. Students highlight class materials on the fly. Coders keep references handy. It all makes Chrome feel less like a page loader and more like a full desk setup.

The changes answer rivals head-on. Edge has split views, but Chrome's version snaps tabs cleaner for quick use. Arc leads in tab tricks, yet Chrome's scale on 3 billion devices gives it reach. New browsers from AI outfits promise smart agents, but these basics hit needs users voice daily. Google ties it to Workspace and Drive, pulling people deeper into its services.

Market watchers see this as Chrome fighting to hold ground. With 65% share, it leads, but drops could hurt ad revenue tied to searches inside the browser. Users happy with tabs and PDFs stick around. Early feedback from testers shows higher task speed and less frustration.

Bigger picture, browsers evolve from web gates to work hubs. Chrome's move matches that. Expect more like vertical tabs soon. For now, these three fill long-asked gaps. Desktop rollout starts wide, with mobile hints possible later. Google keeps tweaking based on what people do most, from grading to coding.