The Latest Version of Google Chrome Displays Search Answers in the Omnibox by Default
During the first week of September 2018, Google unveiled its newly updated Chrome browser, Chrome 69. Now, you can view answers to queries as you search for them using the omnibox, which is the bar at the top of the browser used to type URLs.
Even though Google has stated that this is a new feature, it was actually beta-tested in 2014 and made more widely available in 2015 when Chrome 49 was released. However, Google says that this updated omnibox feature is Chrome 69’s default behaviour.
Google said: “[the omnibox] will now show you answers directly in the address bar without having to open a new tab — from rich results on public figures or sporting events, to instant answers like the local weather via weather.com or a translation of a foreign word.”
Answers that you might see within the new omnibox feature without having to view Google’s search results page include:
Sports scores
Weather in a specific location
A person’s birthday
The distance from one location to another
Specific dates
At this stage, it appears that the new omnibox feature only works with Windows computers but not Macs.
In addition to the new omnibox update, Chrome 69 aims to phase out the use of HTTP, HTTPS and the padlock symbols in URLs. Instead, websites that aren’t secured by HTTPS will soon be shown as being ‘not secure.’
A specialist in Google Ads, and with a wide range of SEO skills and experience, Michael has a particular interest in Local SEO strategies for small to medium sized businesses. When Michael is not working hard increasing conversions for clients Paid Advertising campaigns he enjoys traveling, dining out and watching Formula 1 and football.
