The search suggestions displayed in Chrome’s address bar have been upgraded by Google with the latest updates in February 2024. A new read-only on-device model has been introduced specifically tailored for incognito mode.
Customized Search Recommendations in Google Chrome
Instead of showcasing general popular searches when you click on the address bar on a new tab, Chrome will now provide search recommendations based on your previous searches. These recommendations will also feature relevant image previews.
The illustration above (credits to Google) showcases similar recommendations related to your ongoing search query.
Furthermore, Chrome will now incorporate a section labeled “people also search for” on the right side of the panel. This functionality mirrors what is typically observed in search outcomes or snippets. The Search Box variation of this feature has been undergoing testing since 2020, as mentioned by Search Engine Roundtable.
Please bear in mind that Search Recommendations are operational when you are logged in to Chrome.
Enhanced Image Display for Search Recommendations on Android and iOS
In Chrome for Android and iOS, an image will now be included with search recommendations related to products you have been seeking. This enhancement aims to exhibit more pertinent images associated with your search query, especially for shopping-related searches.
A Google screenshot demonstrates the operation of this feature when searching for “bohemian table,” showing results for a tablecloth, table lamp, and a table runner.
Search Recommendations on Unstable Network Connections
Search Recommendations are provided in real time as you type. However, they may not perform smoothly on sluggish internet connections. To tackle this issue, Google has introduced a new on-device capability in Chrome for mobile devices, enabling it to present search recommendations even under poor network conditions.
The specifics of the functioning of this feature were not fully revealed in Google’s announcement. Joshua Cruz, a Google spokesperson, informed The Verge about Chrome’s capability to offer search recommendations on slow networks. Chrome downloads a lightweight read-only model customized for a particular region onto the user’s device, storing the data in the user directory. This model includes top search suggestions for the user’s region, allowing Chrome to provide recommendations when the device faces challenges in quickly connecting to Google’s servers. This feature is also active in Incognito mode, offering non-personalized suggestions based on trending queries specific to the user’s region.
The most recent release of the browser, Chrome 122, has not yet presented the new search recommendation enhancements. Although The Verge successfully tested these features, it is possible that the improved recommendations are being gradually introduced.
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