Google is hiding website URLs in version 36 of Chrome: Code name “Origin Chip”

Guess what? Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is looking into a way to to eliminate the URL entirely. Well, almost. Testing is being done on Chrome version 36. The current stable version of Chrome is 34. Google also has a steady six-week, rolling release date.

Currently, the “http” portion of URL addresses have already been removed, and you can treat the URL box as a Google search box, which is good for Google. However, removing the URL is also good for the user. Why? Because it can put an end to phishing attacks. And, in a world where cyber attacks grow by the minute, this might be a step in the right direction.

The change is being called “Origin chip.” It has not yet been confirmed whether or not it will make it into version 36, which is set for release in early July. They want to make sure this feature will be a boon for their current and potential set of Chrome users.

So, it works where you can click on the chip to either display the full version of the URL or not. On the side of the address bar, it will still state the name of the site. It will be a button. However, realizing that it is a button will not be so straightforward for most users.

Phishing happens when you are tricked into visiting a fake website. The origin button will make these fake websites much easier to track down. Not to mention, it may also drive a lot more traffic to Google. So, it seems like it would be a win-win situation, both for the user and for Google. Not to mention, there may come a day when the URL is axed completely.