TL;DR
Google is rolling out a redesigned Reading Mode in Chrome for Android that adds a dedicated menu entry, an on-screen indicator, and quick access to formatting choices. The update, reported on by 9to5Google, is appearing for users on Chrome version 143 and preserves custom reading settings across pages.
What happened
Chrome's Reading Mode on Android has received an interface and usability update intended to make the feature easier to find and use. Reports from 9to5Google indicate the change is available to some users running Chrome for Android version 143. The browser now shows a Reading Mode option in the three-dot (kebab) menu; activating it presents an indicator that the simplified view is active. Pulling up on the Reading Mode tab exposes customization controls for typography and color choices, including font selection and size adjustments. According to the report, those appearance choices follow the user as they navigate between pages while Reading Mode remains enabled. The piece also notes that Reading Mode exists on desktop platforms and can read article text aloud, and that users who do not yet see the new controls may need to wait for broader rollout.
Why it matters
- Makes Reading Mode easier to locate and activate for casual and frequent readers.
- Persistent customization reduces repeated setup when moving between articles, saving time.
- Improved controls (fonts, sizes, colors) can enhance legibility and accessibility for diverse users.
- Brings parity to mobile experience with features already available on desktop versions of Chrome.
Key facts
- The refreshed Reading Mode was observed by 9to5Google.
- The update is tied to Chrome for Android version 143.
- A new Reading Mode option appears in the browser's three-dot (kebab) menu.
- An on-screen indicator now confirms when Reading Mode is active.
- Swiping up on the Reading Mode tab reveals customization options.
- Available customization choices include fonts, font sizes, and color themes.
- Custom settings are reported to carry over when navigating to different pages while in Reading Mode.
- Reading Mode is also available on PC and Mac and can read article text aloud.
What to watch next
- Timing for a wider rollout to all Chrome for Android users — not confirmed in the source
- Whether Reading Mode customization will sync across devices tied to a Google account — not confirmed in the source
- If similar interface changes will be introduced on other Chrome platforms or older Android versions — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Reading Mode: A browser feature that strips away nonessential elements from a web page to present text and key visuals in a simplified, easier-to-read layout.
- Three-dot (kebab) menu: The main options menu in Chrome and many Android apps, typically accessed via an icon with three vertical dots.
- Text-to-speech: A technology that converts written text into spoken audio, often used to read articles aloud.
- Rollout: The process by which a software update becomes available to users, often staged over time rather than released to everyone at once.
Reader FAQ
How do I access the new Reading Mode?
Open Chrome on Android and look for a Reading Mode option in the three-dot menu; the update is reported on devices running Chrome version 143.
Will my Reading Mode settings apply to other pages?
According to the report, customizations like fonts, sizes, and colors carry over when you navigate between pages while Reading Mode is active.
I don't see the new controls yet — what should I do?
The report suggests being patient, as the refreshed interface is appearing gradually and may not be visible to all users immediately.
Is Reading Mode only on Android?
No — the source notes Reading Mode is also available on PC and Mac and can read article text aloud.
Google Chrome's Reading Mode on Android gets a huge revamp to make it more seamless to use By Timi Cantisano Published 7 minutes ago Timi is a news and deals…
Sources
- Google Chrome's Reading Mode on Android gets a huge revamp to make it more seamless to use
- How Android's secret Reading Mode can save your sanity
- How to activate Chrome's fancy new Android reading …
- This unknown Chrome feature has changed the way I use …
Related posts
- F-Droid replaces core server with donated hardware to speed builds
- Honey’s Dieselgate: Techniques apps use to detect and mislead testers
- Samsung Health 6.31 boosts snoring detection but removes prior audio files