Google Chrome on Android will soon receive an update that provides answers to search results without having to actually submit a query.
As users type queries into Chrome’s address bar, answers will show up in the section underneath along with other recommended queries.
“Now on both desktop and Android, answers will show up inside the address bar where you type your query—whether you’re looking for results about sporting events or instant answers about the local weather or translations of a foreign word.”
This change is likely being made because it’s convenient for users, but it could have long-term implications on the search landscape.
If users are getting what they need without submitting a query, then this update could eliminate the need to conduct certain searches at all. This is like going from zero-click searches to zero-query answers.
To that end, this change could also impact publishers who would ordinarily rank in mobile search for the answer being provided in Chrome’s address bar.
Given that this feature will be available on desktop and Android, it could end up having a measurable impact on search volume when enough people upgrade to the latest version of Chrome.
Along with this update, the next version of Chrome will also come with changes that are designed to help users manage tabs more effectively.
On Android, users will be able to organize tabs by grouping them together. It will also be possible to send a tab from Chrome on Android to Chrome on desktop.
Lastly, a more lighthearted feature will allow users to change the color scheme of their Chrome application on desktop.
Google says these updates will be rolling out later this fall.
