Google Chrome Gets Microsoft Edge-Like Sidebar So Users Can Compare Search Results

Google Chrome side panel

Copying others' feature is already a norm. After all, it no copyright is violated, things are free to be copied.

When Microsoft announced Edge as the successor of Internet Explorer, the company has high hopes. Powered by Chromium, the browser shares the same engine as Google Chrome.

But Microsoft is not happy with the defaults, that it tweaked a number of things, and added a few unique features to make the browser stands out.

And one of them, is the sidebar.

This time, Google is copying that feature, and implements it on Chrome, in order to make searching more effective.

With the sidebar on Chrome, users can compare search results, without having to open a new tab or return to a previous page after inputting a new search.

Google shared details about this feature in a blog post.

The company said that users can easily compare search results from this side panel, by expanding it.

What users have to do, is to search into the address bar and click on a result, like usual.

Then, in the address bar, they can click on the 'G' logo and select 'Open search in side panel.'

This will open the search into the side panel on the right side of the browser, while the content of the current tab remains open on the left side.

Another way to access this feature, is by highlighting a text in the browser, right-clicking it, and then selecting 'search in sidebar.'

For those trying to minimize the number of tabs they have open, this side panel feature could be a useful feature and a quality of life improvement.

Google Chrome side panel
Credit: Google

Many of the best browsers seem to get various features a lot sooner than Google Chrome; nevertheless, Chrome remains the top-used browser globally.

While this side panel feature is less comprehensive than Edge's equivalent feature, which acts more like a mini browser.

But nevertheless, Google has made it look sleek.

So, despite being less intuitive, the feature can function more like a standalone search engine.

This isn't Chrome's first sidebar feature, because back in March, Google rolled out a similar functionality that allows users quickly access their Reading List and bookmarks.

Aside from this side panel feature, Google Chrome is also getting a price tracker capability, which has been available for its Android app.

What this feature does, is allowing signed in users to the browser to 'Track price' a product when visiting a e-commerce store page. Using the feature, users will be notified via email once the product becomes cheaper.

Published: 
02/11/2022