6 Features I Want to See Natively in Chrome

Chrome has been my go-to browser for years. Whereas it comes filled with options, it nonetheless lacks some functionalities different browsers provide. To compensate, I typically depend on third-party extensions, which pose potential dangers. Listed here are some options I’d like to see natively built-in into Chrome.

1

Advert Blocker

Google Chrome lacks a built-in advert blocker, and there is a clear cause for that—Google’s enterprise mannequin closely will depend on promoting income, which reached $264 billion in 2024, in line with Statista. A have a look at its advert income development over time makes it evident why Chrome, with its 66% market share, avoids including an advert blocker—it could straight affect its core enterprise.

That mentioned, the absence of a local ad-blocking function doesn’t imply advertisements cannot be blocked. Like many customers, I depend on third-party ad-blocking extensions to get the job accomplished. Nevertheless, these extensions can pose privateness dangers. A built-in advert blocker would eradicate the necessity for third-party options, however would Google willingly undercut its income stream? The probabilities are much less possible.

Browsers like Courageous and Opera have built-in advert blockers, so it could be nice to see Chrome comply with go well with.

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2

A Constructed-In VPN

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have turn into important for securing our web connection, bypassing regional restrictions, and safeguarding information. Since Chrome doesn’t have a built-in VPN, I’ve to depend on third-party VPN providers by way of extensions, which, like every extension, include potential privateness dangers. Additionally, these providers typically include a paid subscription, which strains my funds.

In contrast to an advert blocker, which might disrupt Google’s income mannequin, including a VPN could not considerably affect income, though it might contain some infrastructure bills. Google had beforehand provided a VPN service known as “VPN by Google One,” but it surely was discontinued. Having a built-in VPN in Chrome could be a very good addition.

Browsers like Opera and Courageous provide built-in VPNs. Courageous’s VPN requires a paid subscription, whereas Opera’s VPN is on the market free of charge.

3

A Cut up-Display screen Mode

Cut up-screen mode means that you can divide your display into a number of sections—two, three, and even 4—and preserve totally different apps in every. This could enhance productiveness, however Chrome doesn’t provide this function natively. As a workaround, you possibly can resize browser home windows manually, use third-party extensions, or depend on Windows’ built-in Snap Layouts feature, which I typically use.

Nevertheless, integrating this function into the browser would make multitasking even smoother. Fortunately, as reported by Android Police, Google is engaged on including this performance, so it’s considered one of my needs that’s more likely to come true quickly. I’ll lastly have the ability to take notes in Google Docs whereas shopping, evaluate paperwork, preserve a number of internet apps open aspect by aspect, and extra.

4

A Higher Reader Mode

Whereas Chrome gives a fundamental Reader Mode that removes distractions like advertisements and navigation bars, there’s room for enchancment. At present, it opens articles in a sidebar moderately than a complete window, which will be distracting. Moreover, it doesn’t show pictures, making it tougher to know the content material.

If Chrome permits us to open Reader Mode in a separate window—much like Opera—it could make specializing in the content material a lot simpler. Moreover, whereas Chrome gives some customization choices, it may benefit from options like content material highlighting, note-taking, and extra personalization instruments to enhance the studying expertise.

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5

Unit Conversion

One problem I typically face when purchasing on-line is manually altering the shop’s default foreign money to see costs in my native foreign money—if the choice is on the market. Equally, after I must convert measurements into totally different models, I’ve to depart the positioning and do it individually utilizing an app or Google search.

I used to be shocked that Opera gives a built-in function that allows you to convert measurements simply by highlighting them. If Chrome introduces an analogous function, it could save us further searches, making on-line purchasing and analysis extra handy. This is able to be particularly helpful for college students, professionals, and anybody who continuously works with totally different measurement programs.

Integrating this function into the Reader Mode might additionally make it simpler to transform values with out leaving the web page.

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6

A Crypto Pockets

A crypto wallet permits us to retailer, ship, and obtain cryptocurrency. Whereas Chrome is my default browser, I all the time preserve the Courageous browser put in on my machine solely for its built-in crypto pockets. This eliminates the necessity for third-party extensions like MetaMask and Phantom, which have safety dangers.

With crypto changing into extra mainstream, I’d like to see Chrome introduce this function. A pockets backed by Google might provide higher safety in opposition to scams, permitting customers to securely make funds and work together with blockchain-based apps. Plus, Google might let customers sync pockets information throughout gadgets, making asset administration much more handy.

Including these options to Chrome would eradicate the necessity for workarounds like extensions or switching browsers. Whereas a few of the above additions could turn into a actuality, others, like an advert blocker, would possibly take time or by no means occur. Nonetheless, I hope Google continues to carry us the most effective options.