In-app browsers are generally not the best way to consume in-app content. In fact, an Android developer is using Chrome’s Custom His Tabs feature to tweak the experience. Now Google is rolling out new features like partial custom tabs and password autofill to make in-app browsing smoother on mobile operating systems.
The partial custom tabs feature gives developers more control over the initial launch height of tabs. For example, when a user clicks an article link, you can open a tab in half the screen. This allows the user to interact with the app and the in-app browser at the same time. According to Google, some custom tabs are supported by some in-app browsers, including Chrome.
Image credit: Google
The search giant is also rolling out a feature that allows users to enter passwords and other saved details like addresses without leaving the app. This is useful if your app has an in-app browser login popup.
Image credit: Google
Google advocates Chrome Custom Tabs over WebView, claiming that it offers more features.
“When you add a web experience to your Android app, you run the risk of simply launching a browser from your app and the user leaves your app and abandons their session. With WebView, you can build your own in-app browser. but it can be a complex process with high maintenance overhead,” Google said in a blog post.
