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| The lock icon on Chrome address bar will be replaced |
Chrome has been the go-to browser for millions of users for
years, and it's renowned for its cutting-edge security features. One such
feature is the lock icon that appears next to the website link or URL that
confirms a secure HTTPS connection. However, Google is now set to revamp its
design language with Material You elements, and as a part of it, the company
will soon replace the lock icon with a new tune icon.
Highlights:
- Chrome to replace lock icon with new tune icon in upcoming design overhaul using Material You elements.
- New tune icon to provide additional information about website security, permissions, and site settings.
- Google's survey revealed that only 11% of users understood the purpose of the lock icon.
- New icon to reflect changes in website identity, particularly those with HTTP added before the website URL.
Chrome 117 update to roll out in September, with desktop version getting the new icon first.
So, what does this new design mean for users, and why is Google making this change?
Material You Design: A Core Part of Google's Design Language
Google's Material You design language has become an integral part of its products, and the company is committed to implementing it across its entire range of offerings, including Google Docs, Gmail, Calendar, and more. In line with this design language, Google has planned to revamp the Chrome browser's design, and the new design will be rolled out in September. The design overhaul will include a new look and icons in the Chrome address bar, with the lock icon being replaced by the tune icon.
Why is Google Making this Change?
The lock icon has been a useful feature that informs users of a secure HTTPS connection. However, Google feels that the lock icon is no longer necessary as most websites are secure. Therefore, the new icon will provide additional information about the website when clicked. Additionally, the tune icon will also show the permissions required by the website, such as location, microphone, and other sensors, and site settings.
Google's survey revealed that only 11 percent of users understood the purpose of the lock icon. Thus, the new tune icon is expected to improve the user experience by providing clearer and more relevant information about the website's security and permissions.
The new icon will reflect changes in the identity of websites running on Chrome, particularly those with HTTP added before the website URL in the address bar. The lock icon is no longer an indication of a website's security, as hackers can use HTTPS and the lock icon for phishing sites. Therefore, the tune icon will provide a more comprehensive view of the website's security status.
Conclusion
Google's upcoming Chrome 117 update will replace the lock icon with the tune icon in the address bar. The tune icon will provide users with additional information about the website, such as permissions and site settings, and will reflect changes in the identity of websites running on Chrome. As a result, users will have a clearer and more comprehensive view of the website's security status. Overall, Google's design overhaul with Material You elements promises to enhance the user experience and provide better security features in the Chrome browser.
