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Chrome gains tab split-view and PDF upgrades
๐Ÿ’ป#split-view#pdf-management#tab-groupsFreshcollected in 10m

Chrome gains tab split-view and PDF upgrades

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๐Ÿ’ปRead original on ZDNet AI

๐Ÿ’กChrome split-view boosts AI dev productivity: side-by-side tabs for code, docs, models.

โšก 30-Second TL;DR

What changed

Tab split-view mode for side-by-side tab viewing

Why it matters

Enhances browser productivity for multitasking and document handling, benefiting developers reviewing code and docs simultaneously. Reduces context-switching friction in daily workflows.

What to do next

Update Chrome and enable tab split-view in chrome://flags to multitask code/docs efficiently.

Who should care:Developers & AI Engineers

๐Ÿง  Deep Insight

Web-grounded analysis with 9 cited sources.

๐Ÿ”‘ Key Takeaways

  • โ€ขChrome 145 introduces **Split View** for side-by-side tab viewing within a single tab, activated by right-clicking a tab and selecting 'Add Tab to New Split View' or dragging to edges, with options to resize, reverse, separate, or close panes[1][2][3][6].
  • โ€ข**PDF annotations** in Chrome's built-in viewer allow highlighting text, adding notes, and signatures via a squiggle icon, with size and color options, eliminating the need for external apps[1][3][5].
  • โ€ขNew **Save to Google Drive** shortcut in the PDF Viewer's top bar enables direct upload to a selected account, automatically placing files in a 'Saved from Chrome' folder[1][3][5].
๐Ÿ“Š Competitor Analysisโ–ธ Show
FeatureChrome 145 (Google)Edge (Microsoft)Firefox (Mozilla)Safari (Apple)
Split ViewBuilt-in tab split in single tab[1][2]OS-level window snapMulti-account containers, no native tab splitTab Groups, no side-by-side split
PDF AnnotationsNative highlight, notes, signatures[3]Native PDF tools with inkRequires extensionNative markup
Drive SaveDirect Google Drive integration[1]OneDrive integrationNo native cloud saveiCloud integration
PricingFreeFreeFreeFree (macOS/iOS)
BenchmarksWorld's biggest browser share[2]N/AN/AN/A

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Technical Deep Dive

Chrome 145 rollout:

  • Split View: Right-click tab โ†’ 'Add Tab to New Split View' creates dual-pane under Omnibox; URL updates per active pane; new icon for Pin/Separate/Close/Reverse; resizable divider; tab strip reflects split state; suggests other tabs[1][2][3][4].
  • PDF Viewer: Squiggle icon opens annotation panel (highlight, note, size/color options); 'Save to Google Drive' in top bar selects account, auto-folders to 'Saved from Chrome'[1][3][5].
  • Flag removal: chrome://flags/#split-view disabled/removed in 145, now permanent[7].
  • Desktop-focused (Windows/Mac/Linux implied), early video demo Feb 2026[4].

๐Ÿ”ฎ Future ImplicationsAI analysis grounded in cited sources

Enhances Chrome's productivity amid browser wars with AI entrants, deepening Google ecosystem lock-in via Drive integration; reduces reliance on extensions/OS snapping for multitasking, potentially boosting user retention as 30+ tab users report workflow changes[1][2][6]. May pressure competitors like Edge/Firefox to match native tab splitting.

โณ Timeline

2026-01
Early quiet rollout of Split View, PDF annotations, and Drive save begins; spotted in flags[1][7]
2026-02-03
First user video tutorial on Split View usage published[4]
2026-02-12
Chrome 145 nears; experimental disable flag for Split View removed[7]
2026-02-19
Official announcements from Google blog, Droid Life, TechCrunch, 9to5Google confirming features widely available in Chrome 145[1][2][3][6]

๐Ÿ“Ž Sources (9)

Factual claims are grounded in the sources below. Forward-looking analysis is AI-generated interpretation.

  1. droid-life.com
  2. techcrunch.com
  3. 9to5google.com
  4. youtube.com
  5. lowyat.net
  6. blog.google
  7. youtube.com
  8. thurrott.com
  9. support.google.com

Google Chrome has rolled out three major upgrades. Highlights include a new tab split-view mode for seamless multitasking. PDF handling is now significantly easier.

Key Points

  • 1.Tab split-view mode for side-by-side tab viewing
  • 2.Easier PDF management tools
  • 3.Two additional unspecified huge upgrades

Impact Analysis

Enhances browser productivity for multitasking and document handling, benefiting developers reviewing code and docs simultaneously. Reduces context-switching friction in daily workflows.

Technical Details

Features accessible in latest Chrome stable or via chrome://flags. Split-view enables dragging tabs to split screen; PDF tools streamline viewing and editing.

#split-view#pdf-management#tab-groupsgoogle-chrome
๐Ÿ’ปRead original article on ZDNet AI
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