In-app browsers are generally not the best way to consume content within an app. In fact, Android developers have used Chrome’s custom tabs features to fine-tune the experience. Google is now rolling out new features, such as partial custom tabs and auto-fill passwords, to make navigating the app smoother on its mobile OS.
The partial custom tabs feature gives developers more control over a tab’s initial launch height. For example, they can open the tab to a half screen when a user clicks on an article link. This allows users to interact with the app and in-app browsers simultaneously. Google says partial custom tabs are supported by some in-app browsers, including Chrome.
Picture credits: Google
The search giant also offers users the ability to enter passwords and other saved information such as addresses without leaving the app. This is handy when an app has an in-app browser login popup.
Picture credits: Google
Google advocates Chrome’s custom tabs over WebView, saying it offers more functionality.
“When you add a web experience to your Android app, just launching a browser from your app forces users to exit your app, risking abandonment for that session. WebViews allow you to create your own built-in browser application, but it can be a complex process with higher maintenance costs,” Google said in a blog post.
