Chrome for Android 27 introduces fullscreen on phones, tab history on tablets

Google has released Chrome for Android 27, a major update to its open-source browser for Android smartphones and tablets. Version 27 boasts several key new features, including full-screen support on smartphones and the ability to access a history of previously opened tabs on tablet machines.

A key improvement on all platforms is the simplified searching tool. When using the omnibox to search the net, it will remain visible when displaying search results, making it easier to both view and edit searches.

Chrome for Android 27 also introduces client-side certificate support. This means users can now access sites that require certificates, selecting an installed certificate using the browser when applicable.

Of the platform-specific improvements, smartphone users can now switch to full-screen mode to maximise screen real estate simply by scrolling down the page -- the toolbar will disappear, reappearing only when users scroll back to the top of the page again. Tablet users gain access to tab history in turn -- simply tap and hold the browser’s back button and the history will appear for easy retrieval.

The update is rounded off with what Google describes as "a ton" of stability and performance fixes. The update follows hot on the heels of Google Chrome 27 FINAL for desktop, which promises faster web page loading times and improved spell correction among other changes.

Google Chrome 27.0.1453.90 is available now as a free, open-source download for Android-powered smartphones and tablets.