Chrome Restores Flag to Disable Tab Hover Cards After User Outcry

Google recently faced user backlash after removing a flag that allowed users to disable Hover card previews in Chrome 113. However, in response to widespread complaints, Google has taken action by reinstating the flag, enabling users to once again disable Tab Hover Card images in Chrome.

Tab Hover Card Previews in Chrome

Google first introduced Tab Hover Card Images in Chrome 79 as a means to display tab content when users hover their mouse over a specific tab.

While the feature was not entirely new, as it had already been implemented in both the classic and new versions of Microsoft Edge, it was a novel addition to Chrome. Prior to this update, Chrome would only display site information in a tooltip when hovering over a tab. Google expanded this functionality by introducing preview images of the tab’s contents.

Tab hover cards provide users with a convenient way to navigate through numerous open tabs. Instead of manually clicking on each tab to identify its contents, users can simply hover their mouse over the tab and view a preview image of the page.

This feature proves especially useful when working with multiple tabs simultaneously, enabling users to locate a specific tab quickly.

Microsoft Edge also offers a similar feature called Tab Previews, which can be disabled via an option in the Appearance settings for those who find it bothersome.

User Dissatisfaction and Request for Control

Some users found Tab Hover Card Images to be annoying, distracting, disgusting, or even intrusive and a privacy concern. They raised voice about the lack of control over the feature, as Chrome did not provide a preference or option in the settings to disable it.

Consequently, users who had previously disabled the feature by setting Tab Hover Card Images to “disabled” was surprised to find it reactivated after updating to Chrome 113, as the flag had been removed by Google.

Google’s Response:

Google acknowledged the user feedback and expressed its commitment to addressing the issue.

“Thanks, everyone for your patience. We are currently actively discussing/working on an approach to address this feedback. It’s high on our priority to have this addressed soon. I will update this bug when we land a solution for this. Thanks.”

While a preference in the settings to control Tab Hover Card Images may not be available that soon, the company has reintroduced the flag to disable the feature.

“The changes for re-enabling the flag under chrome://flags landed in build 115.0.5776.0. Flag name is tab-hover-card-images”.

Initially available in Chrome Canary 115, the flag is expected to roll out to Chrome stable in the near future through upcoming updates.

How to disable Tab Hover Card Images in Chrome

To disable Tab Hover Card Images in Chrome, users can follow these simple steps:

1. Open Chrome and type “chrome://flags” in the address bar.
2. In the search box on the flags page, type “hover.”
3. Locate the “Tab Hover Card Images” option and select “Disabled” from the dropdown menu.
   
4. Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect.

What’s your take on this? Let us know in the comments below.

UPDATE: The flag is now available in Chrome 114. Check here for details.

Conclusion:
Google’s decision to restore the flag allowing users to disable Tab Hover Card Images in Chrome demonstrates the company’s responsiveness to user feedback and its commitment to enhancing user experience. While the introduction of a preference in the settings may take time, the availability of the flag offers temporary relief to users who prefer not to use or see Tab Hover Card Images.