The introduction of Chrome 69 brings several performance improvements along with changes that will influence user search behaviors. This version also offers developers new opportunities for crafting engaging user experiences on mobile devices.
The most notable change is the Omnibox Smart Answers feature, which allows users to obtain answers directly in the address bar without needing to load a website. These rich results are presented in the address bar, known as the Omnibox, and are referred to as Smart Answers by Chrome.
The Omnibox can display baseball scores: By typing the name of a local baseball team followed by the word "score," Chrome provides the scores directly in the address bar without loading a website.
The Omnibox Smart Answers can show the weather: Chrome can present weather information in the address bar without redirecting to other links.
According to Google’s announcement: The Omnibox combines the search and address bars, allowing for faster access to search results. This new feature now delivers answers directly in the address bar without opening a new tab, offering rich results on public figures, events, and instant answers like local weather.
Features for Developers: Chrome 69 includes features aimed at improving the user experience on mobile devices, such as:
- CSS Scroll Snap
- Display Cutouts
- Conic Gradients
CSS Scroll Snap: This feature enhances animated carousels by allowing developers to control where a user scrolls within an image carousel or paginated sections. This feature is outlined in Mozilla’s specification for scroll snap points.
Display Cutouts: This feature lets developers design web pages that utilize the full available space on a mobile device, providing more control over the website’s appearance on such devices.
Conic Gradients: As part of CSS 4 properties, conic gradients enable developers to create circular color transitions and animations.
Numerous other CSS features have also been adopted. Images presented in the article are either captured or modified by the author and include contributions from Shutterstock.
