Previously when I opened a new tab using Ctrl+T shortcut, Chrome would automatically focus on the address bar. Therefore I could start typing and when I pressed enter it would search on Google.
Currently, I have no idea why, when I open a new tab nothing is focused, not the address bar and not the big search bar of Chrome's default new tab page. However if I press Ctrl+L ou F6 it focuses the address bar. What happened? I installed no new extensions or apps. I already reinstalled Chrome to no avail.
My version is 36.0.1985.125 m and I'm using Windows 8.1 x64. (My home computer has the same chrome version bu it's a Win7 x64 and it doesn't have this strange behavior)
As a workaround I installed Replace New Tab Page and had it open www.google.com. It works but I have to wait 2 seconds for google page to load so I can start typing.
Best Answer
I have seen this problem and it appears that the "Bookmarks Bar" is the root cause for it. Whenever there is a bookmarks bar, the focus on the address bar is automatic. If you remove the bookmarks bar, the address bar loses focus on a new tab.
Solution: Enable the Bookmarks bar.
Go to Settings->Bookmarks->Show Bookmarks Bar
Windows: Control+Shift+B
OSX: Command+Shift+B