Chrome for Android beta is latest Google app to receive dark mode of sorts

It took Google a fairly long time to jump on the dark mode bandwagon, but it seems to be embracing the feature in the past 12 months. Now it seems like Google Chrome for Android is the latest first-party app to offer the option.

According to 9to5Google, the Chrome 73 beta now offers a dark mode option on Android. However, the mode only shows up when you visit Android Pie’s developer options and make sure night mode is always on.

Furthermore, the dark mode doesn’t apply to every facet of the web browser. As the outlet’s screenshots show above, the mode only shows in windows that appear after holding down on an item (e.g. a link or image). So those hoping for a more comprehensive dark mode in a browser will need to download the likes of Firefox for Android, Samsung Internet Browser or Kiwi Browser.

Google has also been testing a dark mode in a beta version of the Google Assistant for Android but, much like Chrome 73, it’s far from comprehensive. Nevertheless, between dark mode plans in Android Q and proper support in several first-party apps, it looks like Google is finally embracing the eye-friendly trend.

But Google isn’t offering an OLED-friendly black mode for its various apps. This mode uses a proper black hue instead of dark grey seen in most of Google’s apps, enabling better power savings on OLED screens. Hopefully we see this option come to Google apps when Android Q is pushed out of the door.

What are your favorite dark mode apps? Let us know via the comments section!

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