Chrome's Android New Tab Page Gets AI and Incognito Shortcuts

Google is making it quicker to access powerful features directly from Chrome's starting point on your Android device. Rolling out now, the New Tab Page (NTP) in the Chrome app is being updated with two handy new shortcut buttons: "Ask AI" and "Incognito."

This small but useful change streamlines access to Google's AI capabilities and private browsing, putting them just a tap away when you open a new tab.

What Are the New Shortcuts?

Located just below the main search/address bar on the New Tab Page, you'll find two new pill-shaped buttons:

Ask AI: This shortcut serves as a quick entry point into Google's AI-powered search experience. Tapping it will likely initiate a search query specifically designed to leverage AI Overviews (powered by Gemini) or take you directly into a conversational AI interface within Search, allowing you to ask complex questions or get summarized information quickly. It effectively replaces the previous "Chat with Gemini" shortcut that appeared for some users.
Incognito: This provides a much faster way to open a new Incognito tab for private browsing without needing to go through the Chrome menu (the three-dot icon).

These shortcuts join the existing microphone icon (for voice search) and the Lens icon (for visual search), creating a row of quick actions right where you start browsing.

Why Add These Shortcuts?

Google's goal seems to be integrating its AI features more seamlessly into the core browsing experience and making frequently used functions like Incognito more accessible.

Promoting AI: The "Ask AI" button makes Google's generative AI search features more visible and easier to try, encouraging users to interact with AI for their queries.
Convenience: Adding an Incognito shortcut directly to the NTP saves users a couple of taps, making it significantly faster to start a private browsing session.

Rollout and Availability

These new shortcuts appear to be rolling out gradually via a server-side update to the stable version of Chrome for Android (versions 130 and potentially later). This means you might not see them immediately, even if your app is up to date.

The rollout seems to have begun more widely in late October 2025. Keep an eye on your Chrome New Tab Page over the coming days and weeks.

Conclusion

While not a massive overhaul, the addition of "Ask AI" and "Incognito" shortcuts to the Chrome New Tab Page on Android is a welcome usability improvement. It streamlines access to both cutting-edge AI search features and essential privacy tools, making the mobile browsing experience just a little bit faster and smarter.

Sources - 9to5google.com,