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Google adds vertical tabs and immersive reading mode to Chrome

Google has introduced two new features for its Google Chrome browser—vertical tabs and a full-screen reading mode—aimed at improving productivity and streamlining the browsing experience. The update comes as users increasingly grapple with cluttered web pages and tab-heavy workflows.

The vertical tabs feature allows users to shift their tabs from the traditional horizontal bar to a vertical panel on the left side of the browser. This layout makes it easier to view complete tab titles and manage multiple open pages more efficiently. Users can activate the feature by right-clicking within the browser window and selecting the option to display tabs vertically. The functionality remains similar to standard tabs but is designed to better support multitasking, particularly for users who keep dozens of tabs open simultaneously.

Focus on Clutter-Free Browsing

Alongside this, Google has rolled out a dedicated reading mode to minimise distractions and enhance content consumption. Once enabled, the feature strips away ads, pop-ups, and other visual interruptions, presenting a clean, text-focused interface. Users can access this mode by right-clicking on a webpage and selecting the reading option, transforming busy pages into a simplified, immersive view.

The move reflects a broader shift in browser design as publishers and platforms increasingly crowd pages with advertisements, notifications, and subscription prompts. By offering a distraction-free environment, Google is positioning Chrome as a more user-centric tool for both work and leisure reading.

Expanding AI Across Ecosystem

Beyond Chrome, Google continues to integrate artificial intelligence into its products. The company recently introduced a feature in Google Maps powered by its Gemini AI, which can automatically generate captions for user-uploaded photos and videos. The feature is currently rolling out in English on iOS in the United States, with plans for wider expansion.

In addition, Google has quietly launched an offline-first dictation app, “Google AI Edge Eloquent,” on iOS. The app uses on-device AI to deliver real-time transcription, refine speech clarity, and eliminate filler words, underscoring the company’s continued push toward AI-driven productivity tools.

Together, these updates highlight Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance usability across its ecosystem while addressing evolving user needs in an increasingly complex digital environment.