I just got the update that redesigns the address toolbar on Android. 'Home' is replaced with 'new tab' and the 'more' menu is much more comfortable. We also have an 'expanded' toolbar option, which I really like.
I like these changes. Having to pivot to the home or tabs screen to start a new tab was really cumbersome.
But now I feel like we really missed out on something for the expanded toolbar: a 'close tab' button. We have 'bookmark' and 'share', but no close! I think most people close their tabs a lot more often than they bookmark or share them.
'Share' should be replaced with 'close'. Share has its place in the 'more' menu, and it's equally trivial to copy the contents of the address bar. No matter what, sharing is always a multi-click affair. Closing the tab is the action that really deserves a one-click button. It's a one-and-done action. Having this button will make it easier to keep our tab lists clean. Additionally, being able to quickly leave a site is really good for digital wellbeing.
The most robust solution would be to make those buttons customizable like on desktop. For instance, I'd also really like a close button on the simple toolbar. But I'd be content with just replacing toolbar share with close. 'Close' would be the furthest-left button to be consistent with the temporary browser (and it's just the most natural spot for it), bookmark would get bumped to the right.
... View more