Google Chrome Expands Productivity Features: Here’s What’s New

Key Highlights:

  • Chrome is also preparing support for vertical tabs, a long-requested feature.
  • Google Chrome rolls out Split View, PDF annotations, and Save to Google Drive.
  • The update deepens Chrome’s integration with Google’s productivity ecosystem.
  • The move comes as AI-driven browsers from rivals gain attention.

Google has launched new productivity-focused features for Google Chrome, including Split View, in-browser PDF annotations, and a Save to Google Drive option. The update aims to make Chrome more useful for multitasking and document work as competition in the browser market intensifies.

Google announced the rollout on Thursday. The features are now officially available to users, marking one of Chrome’s most practical updates in recent months.

Why is Google Chrome adding new features now?

The update lands as AI companies push deeper into the browser space. Rivals like OpenAI and Perplexity are experimenting with agentic browsers that blend AI with web navigation.

Google has already integrated its Gemini assistant into Chrome. While this update does not focus on AI directly, it reflects growing pressure to ship visible, user-facing improvements faster.

How does Split View change multitasking in Chrome?

Split View lets users open two web pages side-by-side within the same browser tab. This makes it easier to compare information, reference documents, or watch a video while taking notes.

Users can activate Split View by dragging a tab to either edge of the browser window or by right-clicking a link and selecting “Open Link in Split View.” Tabs snap into place automatically and can be exited through a simple right-click option.

What can users do with PDF annotations?

Chrome now allows users to highlight text, add notes, fill forms, or sign documents directly inside the browser. PDFs no longer need to be downloaded and opened in separate apps.

This simplifies common tasks like reviewing documents, marking files, or adding quick notes, especially for work and study use.

How does Save to Google Drive work?

With the new option, PDFs can be saved directly to Google Drive instead of the local device. Files saved this way appear in a dedicated “Saved from Chrome” folder, making them easier to locate later.

The feature reduces clutter on local storage and keeps documents accessible across devices.

What’s next for Chrome users?

Google is also preparing to add vertical tabs, a layout popularized by The Browser Company through browsers like Arc and later adopted in its AI browser, Dia.

By steadily adding these features, Google Chrome aims to reduce reasons for users to explore alternatives, even as browser competition grows sharper.

Conclusion

With Split View, PDF annotations, and Drive integration, Chrome is evolving beyond a simple browser into a more complete productivity tool. The changes arrive at a moment when browser innovation is no longer optional.

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