Google has introduced a new privacy feature to its Android app, enhancing user control during searches. The update includes a 'History Off Search' toggle that allows users to launch searches in an Incognito Chrome Custom Tab.
Feature Rollout
The 'History Off Search' toggle appears above the keyboard during typing, offering a seamless way to initiate private browsing sessions. This feature mirrors similar functionality available on iOS devices.
- The toggle is labeled 'History Off Search', differing from the traditional 'Incognito' term.
- It prevents saving searches to local or account history for that session.
- Observed in recent Android beta builds by 9to5Google.
While Google's rollout timeline remains unannounced, this feature brings Android's privacy controls closer to those available on iOS.
Privacy Implications
Despite the convenience of the Incognito toggle, it does not render users anonymous to websites or internet service providers. For enhanced privacy, additional protections, such as DNS encryption or a VPN, are recommended.
This update underscores Google's efforts to provide more streamlined privacy options for Android users.
