Google Chrome lets you manage audio/video playing the browser right from the toolbar through Global Media Controls UI or also known as, media hub. Currently, Google is redesigning the feature UI to make it look more modern.
Global Media Controls shows music playing in Chrome along with album thumbnail, playback, and Picture in Picture controls. in Chrome Canary, you can float media controls and the feature recently received support to manage cast sessions and select audio devices.
The Chromium team is now working on a new UI for Global Media Controls. When you compare the present and the new UI in the above screenshot, you can notice,
- The video/album thumbnail has been moved to the left side from right and shortened.
- PIP option now being displayed above Seek Backward, Pause, and Seek Forward controls.
- Playback controls now appear at the center.
- GMC window now appears compact because of a small thumbnail display.
Google notes “the change implements a newer version of Global Media Controls UI based on updated UI mocks.”
Enable Modern UI for Global Media Controls in the Chrome browser
- Launch Chrome 87 canary.
- Visit chrome://flags
- Search for “Global Media Controls Modern UI”
Global Media Controls Modern UI flag - Select Enabled from the dropdown and restart the browser
When we tested the feature in Canary 87.0.4262.0, it worked and appeared with the new UI as you can see in the screenshot above.
What’s your take on redesigned Global Media Controls UI? Have you liked it? Let us know in the comments below.
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Old ones seems better to me.