Hajra Naz
AI companies and startups are moving into the web browser space. This has created a new wave of competition, often described as fresh “browser wars.”
In response, Google has announced three new Chrome features: Split View, PDF annotations, and Save to Google Drive. These tools are meant to improve daily productivity and better connect Chrome with Google’s other services.
Although these features are not AI-based, Google has already added its Gemini AI assistant to Chrome. The company made that move as AI firms like OpenAI and Perplexity AI began experimenting with AI-powered or “agentic” browsers.
Split View Makes Multitasking Easier
One of the biggest additions is Split View.
This feature allows users to open two webpages side-by-side in the same tab. You can read an article while taking notes. Or watch a video while working on another page.
To use Split View:
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Drag a tab to the left or right edge of the browser window
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Or right-click a link and choose “Open Link in Split View.”
The pages will automatically snap into place. When you’re done, you can exit Split View with a simple right-click option.
PDF Annotations Without Downloading Files
Chrome now allows users to highlight text and add notes directly to PDFs inside the browser.
Previously, users had to download a PDF and open it in another app to edit or mark it. Now, basic tasks can be done instantly within Chrome.
You can:
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Highlight important sections
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Add comments
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Fill out forms
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Digitally sign documents
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Make notes on personal or work files
This long-awaited feature simplifies everyday PDF tasks.
Save PDFs Directly to Google Drive
Another practical update is Save to Google Drive.
Instead of saving PDFs to your computer, you can now send them directly to your Drive account. The files will appear in a folder called “Saved from Chrome.”
This makes documents easier to find and reduces the risk of losing them on your device.
Vertical Tabs Coming Soon
Google’s updates follow last month’s expansion of Gemini AI tools to Chromebook users.
Soon, Chrome is also expected to support vertical tabs — a feature that organizes tabs along the side of the browser instead of the top. Tech-savvy users can already try it by enabling an experimental setting.
Vertical tabs became popular through alternative browsers like The Browser Company’s Arc browser and are now featured in its AI-focused browser, Dia.
By adding features like Split View, PDF editing, and vertical tabs, Google hopes to give users fewer reasons to switch to competing browsers.
