As browser wars heat up, Chrome adds new productivity features | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Sarah Perez

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Google Chrome has introduced a trio of productivity-enhancing features as part of its response to intensifying competition in the browser market driven by AI-focused browsers. These updates aim to strengthen Chrome's appeal and provide users with more efficient tools for multitasking, document management, and cloud integration. The new Split View feature allows users to open two webpages side-by-side within a single tab, making it easier to compare content or perform tasks like note-taking while watching videos. Users can activate this by dragging a tab to the edge of the window or right-clicking a link to "Open Link in Split View." This addition is particularly useful for students and professionals who need to juggle multiple sources or tasks simultaneously. Another significant update is the PDF annotations feature, which enables users to add notes, highlights, and signatures directly within Chrome without needing external software. This simplifies document editing and signing, making it more accessible for casual users and professionals alike. The ability to save annotated PDFs directly to Google Drive further streamlines workflow by keeping documents organized in a "Saved from Chrome" folder. The inclusion of the "Save to Google Drive" feature aligns with trends toward cloud-based storage and productivity. By saving files directly to Google Drive, users can avoid cluttering their local devices and easily retrieve documents across multiple devices. This integration enhances Chrome's role as an ecosystem tool, tying into other Google services seamlessly. These updates reflect Google's strategic response to the browser wars, particularly competition from AI-driven browsers like OpenAI's and Perplexity's offerings. By adopting features like Split View and PDF annotations, Chrome aims to stay competitive while catering to users seeking enhanced productivity tools. Additionally, the upcoming support for vertical tabs, inspired by alternative browsers, further underscores Google's commitment to adapting to evolving user needs. Overall, these changes highlight Chrome's ongoing evolution as a versatile tool tailored to modern workflows, ensuring it remains

Verticals

techstartups

Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/19/2026