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Google is changing the game for tablet web browsing. Chrome will now load websites in desktop mode by default, a move announced in a recent blog post. However, there’s a catch: only tablets boasting premium specs will get the upgrade. “Premium” means a segment of best tablets with a minimum 10-inch screen and 8GB RAM, leaving some tablets behind.
But what about tablets that don’t meet those specs? Don’t worry, you’re not completely left out. You can still access desktop mode manually, but you’ll have to do it through the Chrome settings menu each time, noted 9to5Google. It’s not as convenient, but it’s still an option.
Google Chrome will load websites in desktop mode on premium tablets
Google notes the growing availability of powerful Android tablets, stating desktop websites offer a better experience than mobile sites on these devices. This translates to a significant change: Chrome will now use a desktop User-Agent and a scaled viewport on these tablets.
This means websites will be displayed like they would on a desktop computer, with a wider view and the ability to see more content at once. This change bridges the gap between the mobile and PC browsing experiences. The new desktop User-Agent (via Android Central) will allow websites to detect that the user is on a tablet and adjust their layout accordingly. This will result in a more desktop-like browsing experience on tablets.
Several tablets already qualify for this upgraded Chrome desktop mode as the default experience., These include the Pixel Tablet, OnePlus Pad, and Galaxy Tab S9 series. Even older devices like the Galaxy Tab S7 with 256GB storage or the Galaxy Tab S8 with an 11-inch display and 8GB RAM might make the cut. So, if you have one of these powerful tablets, you’re in for a treat!
If you don’t know about your device’s specs, you can always look them up on the web. Some Android skins (a good example is TCL UI) will actually show you your device’s specs in the About tablet section in the settings.