Google is testing a new feature for Chrome on Android that could make handling downloaded files more convenient by allowing users to open them directly in their preferred applications.
The experimental feature, spotted in Chrome Canary, is available through a flag called "Open downloads in preferred app." If introduced more widely, it would allow Android's preferred-app system to determine which application should handle a downloaded file.
Chrome could hand PDFs to other apps
Currently, downloading a PDF through Chrome can result in the file opening in Chrome's built-in viewer, depending on the device and configuration.
The new feature could change that behaviour. Once a file has been downloaded, Android could automatically send it to the user's preferred application.
For example, a PDF could open directly in an installed document viewer instead of remaining inside Chrome.
Reports demonstrating the feature show Chrome handling the download while another application, such as Vivo Docs, opens the completed file.
This could eliminate an extra step for users who regularly download documents, images and other files and prefer to manage them through dedicated applications.
Feature remains experimental
The option is currently available only through Chrome Canary, Google's experimental version of the browser.
Users testing the feature can access Chrome's experimental settings by entering chrome://flags and searching for "Open downloads in preferred app."
However, its presence in Canary does not guarantee that Google will bring the feature to the stable version of Chrome. The company could change how the feature works, limit the file types it supports or decide not to release it at all.
Google has not announced a timeline for a wider rollout.
A small but useful change
Although the feature is unlikely to be a major change to Chrome, it could improve the everyday experience of Android users who frequently download files.
If Google eventually releases it widely, Chrome would remain responsible for downloading the file while Android would automatically decide which app should open it — reducing the need to manually transfer files between applications.
