About a month ago we reported on a new feature Google was testing. This update would put a search bar in the front and center of your browser – right in your New Tab page. We thought it would take a little longer for us to see this update rolling out, but today we finally have started seeing it!
Of course, the update (version 29.0.1547.76 m) comes with the search bar modifications, making it easier for people to find what they need. We know it’s a bit redundant considering the omnibar (address bar) can do Google searches just fine. Is that something your grandparents know, though? Most people I know still go to Google.com instead of just searching from the omnibar.
At the end of the day, I feel like the search bar addition does serve a good purpose, but there are certain things about this update I don’t find to be very convenient. In fact, I kinda hate one of the changes. I use the ‘Recently Closed’ feature very often, and it has been taken off the ‘New Tab’ page.
The Recently Closed tabs are now hidden in the menu button, making it much more inconvenient to use. At that point, I might as well just type in the website in the URL bar! I hate it and want my Recently Closed option back where it was!
Google has also added an ‘Apps’ button to the bookmark bar. As you can see below, it will now be simpler to access all those Chrome apps. IT also seems a bit redundant, though, because now there is an app drawer in the new Google Bar. What are you doing, Google?!
What do you think? Are you hating this update as much as I am, or am I just being too picky?
