Chrome 131 for iOS brings enhanced Google Drive and Maps integrations

Google’s latest update, Chrome 131 for iOS, introduces several new features that enhance integration with popular Google services like Google Drive and Google Maps. These updates aim to make file management and navigation easier for iOS users. Many of these features were already available on Android, but now iOS users can also enjoy these enhancements.

1. Save Files Directly to Google Drive

With Chrome 131, iOS users can now save their downloaded files directly to Google Drive, offering a seamless way to manage files and free up local storage. Here’s how it works:

• When you download a file in Chrome, a “Save” banner appears at the bottom of your screen.
• Tapping this banner gives you the option to save the file either to the iOS Files app or directly to Google Drive.
• If you choose Google Drive, the file will be saved in a folder named “Saved from Chrome”, making it easy to locate later.

This feature offers a convenient solution for users who want to store files in the cloud instead of using their device’s limited storage. It complements an existing feature in Chrome where long-pressing an image gives you the option to “Save in Google Photos”.

2. Enhanced Image Search with Google Lens

Chrome 131 also improves its image search capabilities with Google Lens integration. The update brings a new feature called “Add to Your Search,” which allows users to enhance their visual search queries:

• When you use “Search Image with Google” from the context menu, you can now add text to refine your search.
• This feature helps users perform more complex searches by combining image recognition with text input.
• Additionally, users can access this capability by taking a live photo using the Lens shortcut on the New Tab Page.

This update makes image searches more powerful and versatile, enabling users to find what they are looking for with greater accuracy.

3. New Shopping Insights and Deals Notifications

As the holiday shopping season begins, Chrome 131 introduces a new “Good Deal Now” notification feature to help users find better deals online:

• This feature shows a notification when it detects a good deal on a product you are viewing.
• It provides Shopping Insights, such as price history, allowing users to track price changes and set alerts for specific items.
• Currently, this feature is available in the US for users who have enabled “Make searches and browsing better” in the Chrome settings under Google Services.
• The feature will be rolled out to more regions over the next few months.

With this addition, Chrome aims to enhance the shopping experience by helping users make more informed purchase decisions and find discounts.

4. Improved Google Maps Integration for Quick Navigation

Chrome 131 also enhances its integration with Google Maps, making navigation smoother and quicker:

• Now, when you tap on an address in Chrome, it immediately brings up a bottom sheet with a mini-map view.
• From this mini-map, you can quickly access the “Get Directions” button, making it easier to start navigation without leaving the browser.
• This update eliminates the need to manually open Google Maps or right-click to get directions, streamlining the user experience.

Google is currently testing this feature and plans to roll it out globally in the coming months. iOS users can expect this enhancement to be available on their devices soon.

Conclusion

Chrome 131 for iOS brings valuable updates that enhance user interaction with Google services, making the browser a more integrated and efficient tool for everyday tasks. From saving files directly to Google Drive to refining image searches with Google Lens and receiving timely shopping alerts, these features aim to provide a smoother and more productive browsing experience for iOS users. Keep an eye out for these updates as they roll out globally, adding new ways to simplify your browsing and shopping experience.