Google's Chrome, Google Inc.'s web browser, is displayed on a laptop. (Photo : Getty Images/Alexander Hassenstein)
Google is removing the Chrome app launcher to simplify their internet browser. Most Chrome browser users do not know that the app launcher exists.
A lot of Chrome browser users have not heard about the app launcher even though they own and use the web browser frequently. Since the users seemingly do not need it, Google is now removing the feature from Apple, Windows and Linux operating systems which will start in a few weeks, Fortune reported. Chrome OS will retain the feature because it is an important part of the platform.
The Chrome browser had this app launcher as a feature that allowed users to launch their apps like email or calendar from within the browser through a shortcut panel. The engineers at Google realized after three years of its launching that only a few users really use this feature.
The feature was supposed to help connect the desktop and web apps for easy navigation. The Google team also found out that most users want to launch their apps from within Chrome only.
In Google's official blog, Marc Pawliger, engineering director, has said that the removal process will take place over the next several months. In a few weeks, the Chrome browser will no longer enable the Chrome app launcher when users first install a Chrome app. For users who already have the feature, they will receive a notice informing them that the launcher will be removed soon and the launcher will finally be removed in July.
A few people were not happy of Google after they heard that the app launcher will be removed soon. One took to Twitter to say he was actually a big fan of it and complained of the change.
I actually was a big fan of the Chrome App launcher....this is the problem with #google...changes on whim..no consistent experience
— Adeel Khamisa (@anteyekon4myst) March 22, 2016
Removing the Chrome app launcher is just one of the many ways Google is trying to do to simplify and speed up the Chrome browser due to the many criticisms like the sluggish navigation and the heavy power use. In 2015, the internet company removed the desktop notification center icon of Chrome for the same reason.
Watch Google to remove the Chrome app launcher video below:
