Google App Update Enables Incognito Searches Directly, Boosting Android Privacy

New “History Off” Feature Spotted in Google App Beta

Google is testing a significant privacy enhancement for Android users through its main application, according to reports from Android Authority. The pre-release update, dubbed “History Off,” allows users to initiate private searches directly from the Google app that automatically open in Chrome’s incognito mode. This development comes as Google confirms some Chrome privacy initiatives are being phased out, making this new feature particularly timely for privacy-conscious users.

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How the Incognito Search Integration Works

When activated, the “History Off” feature redirects search results to open in a Chrome Custom Tab that’s already in incognito mode, sources indicate. Unlike standard browsing sessions, these incognito tabs block third-party tracking cookies by default and prevent search history from being saved. The report states that “if you turn it on and perform a search, the results won’t appear inside the Google app, but will open in a new Chrome Custom Tab with one interesting addition: this tab is already in Incognito mode.”

Enhanced Privacy Protections for Android Users

This update brings Android closer to the privacy features iPhone users have enjoyed through Safari, which blocks trackers by default during normal browsing. Analysts suggest this is particularly important given that Google’s plans to eliminate third-party tracking cookies have been delayed, meaning these cookies “are now here to stay.” The incognito mode also includes additional security measures, automatically locking tabs when users leave Chrome and blocking screenshot capabilities within private browsing sessions.

Market Context and User Impact

Despite privacy concerns, Chrome maintains over 70% market share across mobile and desktop platforms, according to industry analyses. This dominance means most Android and PC users potentially benefit from the enhanced privacy controls. The integration allows users to maintain Chrome’s feature-rich experience while gaining improved privacy protections without switching browsers or apps. Experts suggest this could help bridge the privacy gap between Android and iOS devices, giving Android users similar incognito search capabilities that iPhone users have accessed for years.

Additional Privacy Controls Available

Beyond the new “History Off” feature, Google’s privacy and security settings offer additional tab management options. Users can manually hide and lock tabs for extra protection, and the system prevents screenshots within incognito tabs—a feature that requires users to “open the web page in another tab” if they need to capture content. These layered privacy approaches indicate Google’s continued development of privacy tools despite scaling back some broader Chrome privacy initiatives.

References & Further Reading

This article draws from multiple authoritative sources. For more information, please consult:

• https://privacysandbox.google.com/
• https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&oco=1
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Chrome
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_app
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes

This article aggregates information from publicly available sources. All trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective owners.

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