Google Chrome on Windows tests "Feature Notifications"

Recently, we reported Chrome will show performance notifications if certain tabs use more resources. Google is now working on a new way to keep users informed about its features, with a notification system currently being tested on Windows machines.

A dedicated setting within Chrome will allow users to control these notifications, likely highlighting new features or providing tips on using existing ones. This feature is only accessible on Chrome-branded Windows machines and is currently disabled by default, indicating it’s in an experimental stage.

As spotted by Windows Report, the commit reveals the “Add feature notifications system setting. This CL adds a setting and pref that will control Chrome system notifications about its features. This setting only applies to Chrome-branded Windows builds, and is controlled by an experiment (currently disabled by default).”

Google is planning to add a setting called “Show system notifications about Chrome features and tips” with a toggle, that enables Chrome system notifications about features.

This notification system could be helpful for users unaware of all of Chrome’s features. By keeping users informed, Chrome can potentially enhance the user experience.

Chrome might want to educate users about its features and encourage them to try new ones, leading to a more engaged user base. However, too many notifications can be annoying, and irrelevant suggestions or pushy notifications could create a negative perception of Chrome.

The key for Chrome will be to strike a balance. Feature notifications could be helpful if done thoughtfully. They could provide granular control, smart targeting, and a non-intrusive format to avoid annoying users.

Overall, Chrome’s intent with feature notifications might be good, but the execution needs to be careful to avoid annoying users. Only time will tell how Chrome implements this feature and whether it finds the right balance.

Besides this, Google will allow Chromebooks to make it easier to disable touchpads.