Date:
October 08, 2024
Google is working on a new version of the Google Chrome browser for Android devices, which supports browser extensions within the app.
Many web browsers have come and gone, but Google Chrome historically remains the unparalleled leader of all. However, one peculiar feature remained lacking in the Google Chrome browser for Android OS systems like the Chromebook. In a recent move, Google has reportedly finally been working on a new version of Chrome browser that allows extensions to be seamlessly integrated.
The catch here is that these extensions cannot be used on Android mobile devices, as the development is focused solely on Chrome for Android computers. This functionality was already available in the market but required downloading a third-party Chromium-based browser to use the extensions. With the in-house development on this aspect, users relying on risky third-party PC browsers can take a sigh of relief.
One of the reasons why Google decided not to bring Chrome extensions to Android mobile devices is to limit the number of ad blockers on their phones, as it is one of the biggest revenue streams for the tech giant. The global Android community somehow overpowered the restriction by creating external Ad blocker apps that block such content from the entire device.
Google has been spotted working on a new branch of Android Common Kernel aimed at Chrome OS devices (android15-6.6-desktop) and a common bootloader for Android, Chrome OS, and even Fuchsia (Generic Bootloader). Google also revealed that it will start using tech like the Android Linux kernel and Android frameworks.
Browser extensions have remained a strong staple for desktop web browsers, making it a mandatory step for the company to keep facilitating them on computer devices. This is probably the core reason why Google is putting efforts into building extension compatibility for desktop Android devices. Google has already submitted multiple patches to the Dekstop Android project on Chromium Gerrit. However, the lead engineer who posted this clearly mentioned that “any work related to mobile platforms is explicitly out-of-scope.” So, users will have to explore alternative browsers for Android mobile devices that support extensions for now.
