Google Is Redesigning Chrome’s New Tab Page Search Box With a ‘Next’ Experience

October 3, 2025 admin

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After introducing Gemini and AI Mode in Chrome, Google is bidding goodbye to the traditional search bar on Chrome’s New Tab Page. In its place, the company is testing a redesigned search experience called “Realbox Next”, with “Tall” and “Compact” layouts that look more like AI input fields than a simple bar.

Both versions place “Ask Google” at the top, followed by suggestions such as “Make a comparison,” “Teach me a new skill,” “Make a plan,” and “Research a topic.”

The Tall version, in particular, features a two-row design that resembles a chat or compose box. It is built to handle longer questions and display contextual suggestions, though full smart suggestions are still in early stages.

What is driving this change? The larger, more noticeable box suggests Google wants the New Tab Page to become more than a shortcut for quick searches. It is being reshaped into a starting point for learning, planning, and getting things done.

Chrome’s current Normal Realbox on the New Tab Page, the standard search box design in use today. Image Credit: Venkat | WindowsReport.

Chrome’s Tall Realbox on the New Tab Page, with “Ask Google” suggestions such as Research a topic. Image Credit: Venkat | WindowsReport.

Chrome’s Compact Realbox on the New Tab Page, showing the slimmer layout with “Ask Google. Image Credit: Venkat | WindowsReport.

But here is the twist: this transformation is not happening by default. It is being tested quietly behind a flag called “NTP Realbox Next.” The flag’s description reveals Google’s intentions clearly, saying it “enables the Realbox Next experience,” and offers options to show either the new Tall or Compact design.

Chrome’s new NTP Realbox Next flag, which “enables the Realbox Next experience” across Mac, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS. Image credit: Venkat | WindowsReport.

The NTP Realbox Next flag includes options to enable the redesigned search box with Tall or Compact layouts. Image Credit: Venkat | WindowsReport.

With the Realbox Next experience, Google is changing how people use Chrome’s New Tab Page. The search box could soon handle more than basic searches; it might become a useful spot for quick research, learning new skills, and planning tasks, giving you more reasons to start your browsing from the New Tab Page.

That’s not all. Chrome is also testing Lens video citations and a “Create tab group” option in the menu.

Additionally, Chrome will exclude Picture-in-Picture (PiP) windows from screen capture and upgrade reader mode with four new themes.

Venkat is a tech writer with over 15 years of experience, known for spotting new browser features and tech changes before they go public. Based in India, he breaks down under-the-radar browser updates to help readers stay ahead.

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