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Google Chrome Introduces a Side Panel for Comparing Search Results

Image Source: rafapress / Shutterstock

Google recently released Chrome version 107, which addressed security concerns and introduced several new features, including the ability to compare search results directly from a side panel.

Search results can sometimes be inaccurate, leading users to pages with limited information or lacking the desired content. In such cases, users typically return to the search results to try a different link. The new side panel feature aims to streamline this process without requiring users to close the current tab to access the search results.

How to Use the Search in Side Panel Feature in Google Chrome

1. Go to Google.com and perform a search query, such as “Windows 11,” “iPhone,” or “Pixel.”

2. Press Enter to view the search results and select a page by clicking on its link as usual.

3. Once the page loads, a G icon will appear in the address bar. Click on it.

4. This action opens the side panel within Chrome, displaying additional search results related to your query. (refer to the 1st screenshot)

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Note: You can close the side panel by clicking the X button in the sidebar or by selecting the Side Panel button on the toolbar. This action will return the G icon to the address bar for easy re-access to the results if needed.

5. Click on a link in the sidebar to load the corresponding result in the current tab, replacing the existing page. To prevent this, you can use the middle-mouse button or right-click the link and choose “open in new tab.”

While Google promotes this feature as a search comparison tool, users can also leverage it to perform new searches or explore different topics. For instance, if you initially searched for flight tickets but want to check the weather or sports scores without leaving the current page, the search in the side panel feature can be quite handy. It acts like a mini-browser within Chrome.

The search feature is enabled by default, and users cannot manage it via the browser’s Settings page.

How to Disable the Search in Side Panel Feature in Google Chrome

If you prefer not to see the G icon in your address bar or wish to disable the feature entirely, follow these steps:

  1. Open chrome://flags/
  2. In the search bar, type “Side search.”
  3. Locate the direct match, click the drop-down menu next to it, and select “Disabled.”

You will need to restart the browser for the changes to take effect. The search in the side panel feature is available in Google Chrome version 107 and above in the Stable channel.

Google is not the first browser to offer search from the sidebar; Microsoft Edge also has a similar sidebar option with additional features.

Have you tried the search in side panel feature in Chrome? Share your thoughts with us.

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Image Source: rafapress / Shutterstock

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