Google Chrome Archives - Gizmochina

Google updates Chrome with 3 new features, including auto sync of tabs across devices

Rajesh — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 08:56:07 +0000

Google has unveiled a suite of updates for its ubiquitous Chrome browser, targeting both individual users and businesses. The focus lies on enhancing ease of use and streamlining workflows across desktops, Android, and iOS devices.

One key feature receiving an upgrade is Chrome’s tab grouping functionality. Previously, users could manually save and sync these groups across devices. Now, Google lets you enable automatic syncing – regardless of whether you’re using a desktop computer, Android phone, or iPhone.

This seamless transition eliminates the hassle of manual saves, ensuring your research projects, shopping sprees, or open articles seamlessly follow you between devices. So if you’re exploring a topic on your laptop, you can later pick up your phone and continue exactly where you left off, with all relevant tabs ready.

Google is also currently testing a new feature that intelligently suggests web pages you might want to revisit. Essentially, Chrome analyzes tabs you’ve opened on one device and prompts you to open similar websites on your other devices.

For instance, Chrome might suggest opening the same news website you were reading on your work computer on your phone’s new tab. It’s for users who juggle between multiple devices throughout the day. No more bookmarking or frantically searching your history – simply rely on Chrome’s suggested revisit prompts to pick up where you left off.

Moving onto the realm of business, Chrome’s update caters to Google Workspace users. There’s a brand-new feature that shows the user’s daily calendar when you open a new tab.

It will enable employees to quickly check schedules or access virtual meetings without needing to launch the full Calendar app. According to Google, this feature will be gradually rolled out for Workspace users.

All in all, the new update adds some quality-of-life features to Chrome for bother personal and professional users.

(Source)

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Google to Delete Incognito Mode Data as Part of Privacy Settlement

Oğuz Çakır — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 23:09:48 +0000

The security of our personal data is more fragile than ever. With the rise of smartphones, every app we use seems to gather information about us. Moreover, it’s not just shady developers and scammers tech giants worth billions, and even governments, are implicated in this surveillance. Fortunately, there are those who fight back. Thanks to their efforts, Google has agreed to purge billions of records containing personal information collected from more than 136 million Chrome web browser users, settling a lawsuit that accused the company of illegal surveillance. Here are the details…

Your Data is Not Safe: Google to Purge Records After Privacy Lawsuit

Google has opted for a series of settlements in recent months to avoid major antitrust lawsuits. This trend continued last Sunday with their fourth agreement in four months. This latest settlement involves a lawsuit filed by Chasom Brown and others, alleging that Google misled users about incognito mode in Chrome.

Under the agreement, Google will delete billions of records of Chrome browsing data, including data from incognito mode. This move addresses the lawsuit’s claim that Google continued to track user activity even in private browsing. Previously, Google has spent over $1 billion on settlements related to its search engine and advertising practices.

These settlements include cases involving app developer fees, sharing data from Google+, and patent infringement. Going forward, Google will be more transparent about data collection in incognito mode. They will warn users and limit data collection practices while browsing privately. While the plaintiffs’ $5 billion compensation claim was rejected, individuals still retain the right to sue Google for damages.

Your Favorite Websites Are Becoming Apps! Chrome 124 Lets You Ditch the Browser (Almost)

Anubhav — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 02:42:17 +0000

Remember Chrome Apps, those handy app-like shortcuts to your favorite websites that went bye-bye in 2023? Google‘s replacement is here: Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). PWAs are web apps that blur the line between websites and native apps, offering an app-like experience without needing to download anything from the app store. Now, Chrome Canary takes PWAs a step further by letting you install any website as a desktop app!

One single click on the app icon can now launch the website in its own window

This means you can take any website you visit regularly and turn it into a dedicated app on your desktop. No more hunting for it in your browser tabs – just a single click on the app icon, and the website opens in its own window, ready to use.

Previously, enabling PWA functionality required tinkering with flags. But with the latest Canary update, a new “Install page as app…” option appears in the “Save and share” menu. Clicking it creates a dedicated app window for the website. Existing PWAs like YouTube will even display their name (“Install YouTube”) in the menu.

To try it out, install Chrome Canary and enable these flags:

chrome://flags/#web-app-universal-install
chrome://flags/#shortcuts-not-apps

This feature is currently in Chrome Canary (an early version of Chrome 124). The stable Chrome version (122) focuses on AI writing and Read Aloud tools for Android. The upcoming stable release (Chrome 123) brings a built-in PDF reader for Android, an Android-style media player for desktops, and enhanced tab group sharing.

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New Google Chrome Update will Predict Queries Based on Previous Searches

Anubhav — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 03:10:31 +0000

Chrome is rolling out updates to make your search experience smoother and more intuitive. Now, before you even start typing in the search box, Chrome will display query suggestions related to your past searches. So, if you’ve been looking up home decor like curtains, expect to see visual suggestions for other home decor items like furniture, art and more, the next time you’re wondering what to search for.

Google has been experimenting with a similar feature for a while now

While this might seem like a fresh addition, Google has been experimenting with a similar “People also search for” feature since 2020. This is just a more refined, better-developed iteration of the previous feature, something that feels way more personalized than what Google was experimenting with before.

And don’t worry about spotty Wi-Fi. Chrome’s got you covered with improved on-device capabilities that ensure search suggestions pop up even when your connection is lagging. This works by downloading a compact, read-only model of popular search suggestions, tailored to your locale. This model is stored directly on your device, ready to jump into action when needed, like when your network is slow or if you’re browsing in Incognito mode.

That’s right, even in Incognito mode, where typically no suggestions are offered, you’ll still get the benefit of this feature without compromising your privacy, thanks to the locally stored data model. So next time you’re in a pinch for search inspiration or you’re on a sluggish connection, Chrome’s new updates have your back.

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This New Google Chrome Feature will Make Your Write-Ups Way Better

Anubhav — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 02:23:28 +0000

Google‘s latest Chrome update introduces a groundbreaking feature aimed at making digital writing a breeze for its users. Dubbed “Help me write,” this AI-powered tool is more than just a fancy add-on; it’s a looking-glass into the future, how artificial intelligence can enhance our daily tasks, specifically writing, by understanding the context of our needs and offering customized suggestions.

Users now don’t have to ponder or think too much while compiling something

Think about the countless times you’ve struggled to articulate your thoughts in an email or wanted to sell an item online but couldn’t quite capture its essence in words. Google’s new feature aims to eliminate such hurdles. For instance, if you’re trying to sell a barely used gadget because you’re upgrading, “Help me write” could craft a compelling narrative that highlights the gadget’s features, its condition, and why it’s a steal at your asking price.

Or consider the scenario where you’ve received a product that unfortunately didn’t meet your expectations. Communicating your concerns and requesting a refund or exchange can sometimes be awkward. This tool could step in to help draft a message that’s polite yet assertive, ensuring your feedback is heard and addressed without sounding confrontational.

Users need to navigate through Chrome’s settings to the Experimental AI section. While it’s currently available only in the U.S. for English language prompts and exclusive to Mac and Windows PC users, its potential for wider application is immense. Beyond personal use, imagine its impact on small businesses, streamlining customer communication, or enhancing product descriptions without the need for a professional copywriter.

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No More Sneaky Attacks: Google Chrome’s New Security Feature Will Protect Your Home Network

Oğuz Çakır — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 21:32:04 +0000

Google Chrome remains the world’s most popular web browser, dominating with a market share of nearly 70%. Even many users prefer it over operating systems’ default browsers like those found on Mac, Windows, and iOS. et, this popularity makes Chrome a prime target for cyberattacks. Google recognizes the risks and constantly works to improve Chrome’s security. The company is now investing heavily in privacy and security enhancements to protect your online experience. Here are the details…

Chrome’s “Private Network Access Checks for Navigation Requests” Explained

Not every website is safe. A simple click on a link can make you a target for hackers. Google knows this and is releasing a new feature to help protect devices connected to your home network through Chrome. This feature will watch for websites trying to access your private network and will only allow those it knows are safe.

The name of this feature will be “Custom Network Access Controls for Browsing Requests,” and it will verify where the request to communicate with your private network is coming from and whether it is secure. On the other end, it will check with your device to ensure that it has permission to access your private network. Currently, Google is assisting developers in accrediting websites as secure sources.

The new feature has not been rolled out in any Chrome version yet, but it is expected to be included in Chrome 123 or 124 for desktop computers and Android devices. Particularly, in today’s environment where the smart home concept is becoming increasingly prevalent, and various objects, including door locks, are becoming targets, Google’s move is poised to enhance your security.

Indian Government Issues Urgent Security Warning for Google Chrome Users

Oğuz Çakır — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 16:13:49 +0000

Google Chrome, undoubtedly the world’s most popular web browser with a 66% market share. Many of us use this browser for various activities, from daily tasks to work. However, this popularity comes with its share of problems. A security vulnerability in a platform with millions or even billions of users jeopardizes not only individuals or companies but even the security of nations. For this reason, the Indian government has issued a high severity warning to Google Chrome users, advising them to promptly update their browsers due to multiple high-risk vulnerabilities. Here are the details…

Indian Government Alerts Chrome Users: Update Immediately to Close Vulnerabilities

CERT-In, the Indian government’s cybersecurity agency, has issued a “high severity” warning concerning various vulnerabilities found in Google Chrome. These security flaws, if exploited, may allow remote attackers to execute malicious code on a user’s computer. In other words, hackers could take control of systems or steal sensitive data.

The security advisory issued by CERT-In notes that remote attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by persuading unsuspecting victims to visit specially crafted web pages. After visiting these pages, the security flaws will be triggered, allowing attackers to launch unnoticed attacks on unaware users.

This security vulnerability allows attackers to exploit memory errors in the Side Panel Search feature, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or bypassing security measures. Users should be cautious when browsing the internet, especially when visiting unfamiliar or suspicious websites. Avoid clicking on links from untrusted sources and refrain from interacting with unwanted emails or messages.

Google Chrome Receives New Security and Performance Features for a Seamless Browsing Experience

Simranpal Singh — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 01:00:41 +0000

Google keeps adding new features to Chrome to keep it productive and up-to-date with ongoing trends. It recently announced the End of Tracking Cookies to safeguard personal data. It even added a Create Theme with an AI feature to enhance customizability. With a bunch of developments, Google Chrome is making the user experience better by prioritizing safety and performance first. Google aims to give people a safer and more efficient place to browse the web. Google brings some useful changes to the Chrome Browser out of which are already rolled out, and the remaining features will be available soon. Let’s dive deeper into the details:

Proactive Safety Check

Chrome’s Safety Check now works in the background without any issues and sends out proactive alerts. Users are notified when their passwords have been stolen when their browser versions are out of date, or when their site rights need their attention. These alerts are easy to access via the three-dot menu, so users can take action quickly to keep suspicious sites at bay.

Moreover, Chrome Browser automatically removes site permission (like access to your location or microphone) for sites that you haven’t visited in a while. Further, the ability to turn off notifications from sites has been streamlined.

Smarter Performance Controls:

Alongside new safety enhancements, Chrome introduces new performance controls. Building upon last year’s introduction of performance controls like Memory Saver mode, Chrome now provides more detailed insights. In Memory Saver mode, users can hover over tabs to see full information about how much memory they are using. Further, users can also specify sites that should always remain active, ensuring a smoother browsing experience. To set up Memory Saver Mode, the user should head to the performance section in settings and toggle Memory Saver on for an optimized performance experience.

Surprisingly, Chrome now lets save work groups to free up memory, declutter and organize the growing experience. The feature is coming in the coming few days and can be toggled by clicking on the “Save Group” feature, making it accessible on other devices.

Excitingly, Google Chrome is bringing support for the new AI model, Gemini, which will power even smarter and more helpful features in the first few months of 2024.

Google Chrome Bringing “Create Theme with AI” Feature to Uplift User Experience

Simranpal Singh — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 15:33:22 +0000

Following the competition from ChatGPT, Google is not stopping by to amalgamate AI into its products and services. In an exciting development, just after the launch of ChatGPT 4’s competitor, Gemini, Google is set to introduce a new feature for Google Chrome that will allow users to create personalized browser themes using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Steps to “Create Theme with AI”

The feature allows users to select theme subjects, like landscapes, food, or something else, and then the user needs to fine-tune the theme with style, mood, and color options. It is a significant step in browser customization and promises to elevate the browsing experience to new heights.

These changes by Google Chrome demonstrate AI’s growing role in digital life. By leveraging the power of generative AI, Google Chrome is not only enhancing the user experience but also showcasing the potential of AI in creating unique, personalized digital aesthetics. Currently, we are unable to use this feature, as it is part of Canary Build.

There are an overwhelming number of options available for creating AI themes in Chrome, here I show some of them:

Subject https://t.co/vMoDDl4pi9

Style and mood https://t.co/MkbwbqxZYe
.https://t.co/Za0fgGS3k1 pic.twitter.com/WUGkYtQVjo
— Leopeva64 (@Leopeva64) December 9, 2023

The feature is currently available in the Canary build and will port to the Beta build before rolling out for the stable version. In actuality, it may take a few months before the general public can experience this innovative feature. Another such feature, “Help Me Write” is in the works and will soon be part of the Google Chrome stable build.

Google keeps bringing new features and several bug fixes for Google Chrome. Recently, the browser received the ability to see Memory consumption for each tab. The new WebGPU on Chrome enhances Chrome’s Performance, Security, and AI. For the Android version, a major scrolling issue fix is on the way, and Android 14 users can enjoy the new experience. Several other changes are part of regular Google Chrome Browser updates that you can look at here in detail.

Google Chrome will Now Let Users Easily See How Much RAM are Tabs Consuming

Anubhav — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 01:49:10 +0000

Where multitasking on browsers has become a norm, managing system resources effectively is crucial. Google Chrome, a web browser used by millions, has introduced a nifty feature that lets users keep tabs on the memory usage of individual tabs, quite literally. This new update, as reported by 9to5Google, is a step towards providing users with transparent information about how much system memory their open pages are consuming.

You will just have to hover above the tab to see the consumption of resources

Previously, Chrome had launched a Memory Saver mode, which conserves system memory by limiting the resources used by inactive tabs. But this latest feature goes a step further by providing real-time memory usage data with a simple hover over a tab. This means you can now see which of your open websites are hogging system resources without the need to navigate through multiple settings.

This convenience is particularly useful for users who work with numerous tabs open and need to keep their computers running smoothly. It’s a feature that speaks to the everyday user’s needs—no need for technical know-how to monitor your computer’s performance. Simple, on-the-fly, and informative, it can help you decide which tabs to close when your machine starts to lag.

To access the Memory and Energy Saver modes, users can go into the browser’s settings under the ‘Performance’ section. There’s also an option to keep certain important sites always active, ensuring that critical pages are not reloaded every time you click on them.

The update is already available on the stable Chrome 119 channel and is expected to be accessible to all users soon. For those who can’t wait, there’s a way to enable it manually via Chrome’s experimental settings.

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Chrome 117 removes unnecessary “All Bookmarks” reminder

Rajesh — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 17:21:00 +0000

Chrome 117, the latest version of the desktop browser, has finally removed the unnecessary “All Bookmarks” reminder from the Bookmarks Bar. This is a welcome change for many users who found the reminder to be disruptive and annoying.

The “All Bookmarks” reminder was introduced in the earlier Chrome 117 version as part of the Material You redesign. Tapping on it would trigger a prompt to open the Side Panel to view all bookmarks.

This reminder was meant to educate users about the new bookmark location in the Side Panel. However, many users found that the reminder took up valuable space on the Bookmarks Bar and disrupted their carefully arranged bookmarks.

The Side Panel in Chrome is such an annoying feature. Never liked it from the start, but now we're being forced to use it. I've never disliked a button as much as "All Bookmarks", now. It forces me to use the Side Panel, while reducing the size of the Bookmarks Bar. uuh… pic.twitter.com/cgUZL0ynSZ
— Dylan Roussel (@evowizz) September 22, 2023

Now, as Google has released Chrome 117.0.5938.132 update, the “All Bookmarks” reminder has been removed, freeing up space on the Bookmarks Bar. Chrome 117 also includes 10 security bug fixes.

Google is slowly adding Material You components to the desktop platform, albeit more slowly than to ChromeOS. However, it won’t be long before we have a similar theming experience across all Google products and services.

For those who are unaware, Material You is Google’s new theming engine that it launched in 2021 with Android 12. It has been spreading to many Android apps since then, but the dynamic interface theming option was initially limited to Google’s own platforms. However, Google started to introduce Material You to other services, such as Chrome, with Canary build version 110. This brings Material You to Mac, Windows, ChromeOS, and Linux.

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Google Chrome Introduces Automatic PiP Mode for YouTube Videos When Switching Tabs

Simranpal Singh — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 09:39:26 +0000

The most used Browser – Chrome is receiving new features that will enhance the user’s ability to multitask. Developers are working on a new feature in Chrome that will automatically play YouTube videos in Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode once the user switches tabs. The video will automatically move to the corner and will keep playing until the user pauses it.

Must See: PS Remote Play now works on Android TV, including Chromecast with Google TV

The Auto PiP feature is currently present in the development and may the part of the next Canary build. It may debut on the Stable build by the end of this year. It is quite a helpful feature offering more convenience to the user.

Auto PiP feature will turn into a productive feature under various circumstances. For Eg: It can be helpful to watch a tutorial video in the corner while performing the steps in another tab or window.

This CL adds a draft of the allow / block content setting UI for AutoPiP windows. It doesn’t try to match any UI mocks; it just adds
some scaffolding to use while we build out the functionality and the UI itself. Right now, it’s triggered for any document PiP window if blink feature that corresponds to AutoPiP is enabled, even for pip windows that aren’t opened because of AutoPiP. Video PiP windows are never affected, though that will be added in the future.

The feature will be compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS, and ChromeOS. A similar feature is already present in Microsoft Edge Canary which is labeled as “Automatically turn on picture in picture for video sites.”

Apart from the Auto PiP feature on Chrome, Google is working on several other enhancements that will surely enhance Chrome’s feature set. The developers are working on a new incognito mode for better “Tracking Protection”. Some design changes related to the Material theme are also in the works and will soon see the light of day via a new update.

Google Chrome’s Scrolling Issue will fade away with Android 14

Simranpal Singh — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 09:47:17 +0000

For years, users have been complaining about Google Chrome’s scrolling issue on Android. The same Chrome browser works flawlessly on iOS with smooth scrolling. It seems Google has acknowledged and prepared a fix for the scrolling issue which will be part of the Android 14 update. A full detailed blog post on the Chromium Blog explains the issue, and solution for improved scrolling.

Must See: How to Turn Off Chrome browser’s new Download Tray

The issue seems to be at the OS level, Android’s native touch input algorithm stutters a lot, and to overcome the issue, respective companies have made their own input algorithm for better scrolling experience. But, the Chrome browser can’t switch due to web compatibility issues. To overcome the issue, Google has introduced a new API in Android 14 which enables Chrome to offer a better scrolling experience.

An API called Nanosecond API allows apps to sample touch inputs at nanosecond intervals rather than the millisecond interval. The result of its usage is quite evident as the developers even posted a video of Redmi 9A utilizing the both Nanosecond and Millisecond API side-by-side. The scrolling becomes 2x smoother in comparison with the previous API.

Finally, Chrome for Android is getting the iPhone-like smooth-scrolling support with the Android 14. The device must be on the latest Android and enjoy smooth scrolling on Chrome for Android.

Samsung already started the OneUI 6.0 Beta Program based on Android 14 for selected devices like Galaxy S23, Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 5G. The program is live in the US, China, India, Germany, and South Korea for some devices. We expect more devices to join the program and benefit from the latest Android 14 version as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, if the Chrome for Android scrolling issues fade away with the Android 14, then we expect a similar experience for other Chromium-based browsers such as the Samsung Internet and Microsoft Edge.

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Microsoft Edge falsely flags Chrome setup as malware

Rajesh — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:01:06 +0000

Microsoft Edge browser has been found flagging ChromeSetup.exe, the installation file for Google Chrome, as potentially harmful. This error has been observed in one out of five Microsoft Edge 116 stable installations. Edge’s built-in security feature is designed to protect users from harmful files, but it appears to have incorrectly identified ChromeSetup.exe as a threat.

Microsoft flags Chrome as malware

As shown in the screenshot above, when downloading Chrome using Microsoft Edge, a warning message may appear: “ChromeSetup.exe could harm your device. Do you want to keep it anyway?” The user can then choose to “Keep” or “Delete” the downloaded file.

Microsoft is always seen promoting Edge to Windows users. To keep users on its own browser, the company has tried different methods. For instance, when users try to access Chrome through Edge and use Microsoft’s Bing search engine, they are presented with several prompts discouraging them from downloading Chrome.

Like when searching for Chrome on Bing, Microsoft Edge prompts users to keep using Edge instead. The prompt reads, “There’s no need to download a new web browser. Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Edge for a fast, secure, and modern web experience that can help you save time and money. Try it now.”

If you skip this prompt, another one appears, explaining that “Microsoft Edge runs on the same technology as Chrome, with the added trust of Microsoft. Browse securely now.”

Regardless, in this case, Microsoft has not made any official statement about why it is flagging Chrome Setup (ChromeSetup.exe) as potentially harmful. The warning is not widespread, and it is possible that Microsoft has already fixed the issue.

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Chrome to notify users when extensions are removed from the Chrome Web Store

Rajesh — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:51:41 +0000

Google Chrome is adding a new safety check feature to Chrome 117. This feature will warn you if an extension you have installed has been removed from the Chrome Web Store. Extensions can be removed from the Chrome Web Store for a few reasons, such as if the developer has unpublished it, if it violates Chrome’s policies, or if it is malware. But when an extension is removed from the Chrome Web Store, you may not be informed about the reason. Chrome wants to address this by notifying you why the add-on was removed.

Chrome to provide more transparency about removed extensions

Oliver Dunk, a Chrome Extensions Developer Relations Engineer, published an article on the Chrome Developer’s blog to explain a new policy. Google Chrome will display a notification to alert users when an extension they have installed is no longer available for use. The notification will be displayed on the Safety Check page under Chrome’s Privacy and Security Settings (chrome://settings/privacy).

For example, if an extension is removed by Chrome, you will see a banner notification. You can click the “Review” button to go to chrome://extensions and see a list of removed extensions, along with the reason why they were disabled. You can remove the extension permanently or choose to hide the warning if you want to continue using it.

That being said, Google will provide developers with a grace period to address any issues that may have led to their extension being removed from the Chrome Web Store.

In a separate blog post, Google announced that it will automatically upgrade all HTTP links to HTTPS, the more secure version of HTTP that encrypts your traffic. This will happen even if you click on a link that explicitly says HTTP. Google says that it will detect when the upgrade fails and, in those cases, Chrome will fall back to HTTP. Google is currently testing this change in Chrome 115 and plans to roll it out to everyone soon.

Chrome’s New Sidebar Gives Users More Control Over Their Browser

Oğuz Çakır — Sat, 27 May 2023 22:11:31 +0000

The competition among web browsers is heating up. Google Chrome is the most popular browser, but its competitors are not giving up. Microsoft Edge and Opera are adding new features to attract more users. Edge is particularly focused on artificial intelligence, which it believes will give it an edge over Chrome. Google is also not sitting still. It is constantly adding new features to Chrome in an effort to stay ahead. Most recently, Google announced a new sidebar for Chrome that will allow users to customize the look and feel of their browser. Here are the details…

Google Chrome Side Panel Offers a Variety of Customization Options, Including Background Images, Themes, and Colors

Google has announced a new sidebar for Chrome that will allow users to customize the look and feel of their browser. The new sidebar includes a variety of options, including the ability to change the background image, theme, and colors. To access the new sidebar, open a new tab in Chrome and click on the “Customize Chrome” icon in the bottom right corner.

The sidebar will open on the right side of the screen. The first option in the sidebar is the background image. You can choose from a variety of images, including landscapes, seascapes, and abstract art. You can also upload your own image. The next option is the theme. Chrome offers a variety of themes, including Classic Chrome, Chrome Colors, and Landscapes.

You can also create your own theme. The final option in the sidebar is the colors. You can choose from a variety of colors, including blue, red, green, and orange. You can also create your own color scheme. Once you have made your changes, click on the “Save” button. Your changes will be applied immediately. The new Chrome sidebar is a great way to customize the look and feel of your browser. With a variety of options to choose from, you can create a Chrome that reflects your personal style.

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WebGPU to Enhance Chrome’s Performance, Security, and AI

Anubhav — Mon, 15 May 2023 06:18:44 +0000

Google Chrome, currently holding a dominant 66.13% share of the browser market, is known for its constant development and innovation. In the latest Chrome 113 update, Google introduced the WebGPU feature, aiming to revolutionize network performance, bolster user security, and reduce data centre load. This implores users to explore the impact of WebGPU integration on Chrome’s capabilities, highlighting its potential for AI tasks and the collaborative efforts to enhance cross-browser compatibility.

The WebGPU integration will upgrade Performance & Security

WebGPU, a significant addition to Google Chrome, is set to play a vital role in future AI tasks, including text-to-image conversions and AI processing. By leveraging WebGPU for these tasks, Chrome users can enjoy several advantages, such as improved network stability and enhanced data control. WebGPU’s integration marks a substantial upgrade in web performance, data centre efficiency, and AI application security, benefitting both individual users and organizations.

As the landscape of browser technology evolves, the integration of native AI processing and cross-browser compatibility becomes increasingly important. Recognizing this, Google is collaborating with Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge on the “Baseline” project. This initiative aims to establish a standardized set of features that web developers can rely on, ensuring consistent performance across all major browsers. The ultimate goal is to create a smoother user experience, simplify web development processes, and foster a safer online environment.

The Baseline project’s primary focus is to enhance cross-browser compatibility, enabling developers to build web applications that function seamlessly across multiple platforms. By aligning the efforts of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge, Baseline will help eliminate inconsistencies, reducing the need for browser-specific workarounds. This collaboration will not only benefit developers but also result in enhanced user satisfaction and productivity.

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WebGPU Brings AI Capabilities Directly to Google Chrome Users

Oğuz Çakır — Thu, 11 May 2023 12:59:10 +0000

Google I/O took place yesterday. The event, initially was expected to focus on Android and new software developments, but dominated by AI technologies. The company put artificial intelligence at the center of its announcements, even when introducing the new Pixel 7a, Pixel tablet, and revealing new features. However, it appears that it wasn’t enough for the tech giant. According to the latest reports, Google is making strides to integrate AI into its Chrome browser through WebGPU. Here are the details…

Google I/O Unveils AI-Ready WebGPU for Chrome Browser

Artificial intelligence technologies continue to spread and expand their use cases. However, much of the AI technology we use today runs on data centers operated by cloud computing giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. This situation creates a burden on data centers and a significant expense for companies. For example, to reduce this burden, OpenAI charges users $20 per month for GPT-4 and still limits usage to 25 messages within three hours. Google plans to use the recently added WebGPU feature in Chrome to solve this problem.

Recently released Chrome 113 comes with many innovations, including the WebGPU feature. This technology is a web standard that enhances graphics processing capabilities in web browsers. It enables more efficient execution of tasks like parallel computing, GPU acceleration, and 3D graphics, making web applications faster and more visually impressive. Another significant contribution is reducing server load by utilizing the power of your local computer.

At the Google I/O conference, it was announced that WebGPU enables web apps on phones or laptops to leverage AI software more directly. We had written the news for you yesterday when the announcement was made. This enhancement can be applied to a wide range of applications, from creative tools to health apps. “WebGPU makes the web AI-ready,” stated Matt Waddell, who leads Chrome’s developer and consumer-focused work. Running AI locally on devices like phones and laptops offers several benefits, including bypassing network issues and enabling better control over data. By doing so, Google aims to reduce the load on data centers and enhance security.

This can be particularly advantageous for businesses with sensitive data and health apps that require privacy for their users. Moreover, this is applicable for large companies as well. For instance, Samsung recently banned its employees from using AI technologies like ChatGPT due to a leak it experienced. Concerns like these could be eliminated with locally running AI tools that do not require a server. However, it remains to be seen when concerns about the increasingly widespread artificial intelligence technology will completely disappear.

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Google Chrome’s WebGPU Integration: Reducing Data Centre Load and Enhancing Security

Oğuz Çakır — Wed, 10 May 2023 17:41:34 +0000

Google continues to develop and improve Chrome. With each new feature, the browser becomes a bit smarter, currently holding the market leadership with a 66.13% share. One of these features is the WebGPU capability, which was introduced in the recent Chrome 113 update. This technology was intended to boost web performance and improve user security. However, it appears that the browser will also lessen the load on data centers in the future.

How WebGPU Changes the Game

According to recent rumors, Google Chrome’s WebGPU integration will be more actively used in the future. A feature expected to be introduced during the Google I/O 2023 event will enable WebGPU to be utilized for a greater number of AI tasks. This demonstration will showcase the conversion of a text prompt into an image, with WebGPU handling the processing. Using WebGPU for AI tasks offers several advantages for users, such as avoiding network interruptions and having more control over data.

For example, Samsung recently banned its employees from using generative AI chatbots after a security breach. Running AI tasks locally with WebGPU can help businesses like Samsung use AI tools with better security and privacy. The integration of WebGPU in Google Chrome is a major leap forward in web performance, data center efficiency, and AI application security.

As browser technology advances, local AI processing and cross-browser compatibility will continue to refine user experiences, shaping a more secure and efficient online environment. Google is also joining forces with Mozilla’s Firefox, Apple’s Safari, and Microsoft’s Edge on a project called Baseline. This collaboration aims to create a set of features that web developers can count on to work consistently across all these browsers. By enhancing cross-browser compatibility, Baseline will make web development easier and ensure a smoother user experience across platforms.

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Google Chrome Swaps confusing Lock Icon with New Icon for HTTPS Websites

Anubhav — Thu, 04 May 2023 04:34:36 +0000

The lock icon in Google Chrome is a security indicator that appears in the address bar of the browser when you visit a website that uses HTTPS encryption to secure your connection. The lock icon signifies that the website you’re visiting has been authenticated and verified by a trusted certificate authority, and any data that you exchange with the website is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping or tampering by third parties. However, it doesn’t always mean that the site is trustworthy, and Google seems to be highlighting the same, stating that the company will replace the icon in their web browser.

Only 11% of Users understand what the Lock Icon means

Google is planning to replace the lock icon in Chrome’s address bar with a new icon that will make it easier for users to understand its meaning. The move comes after research showed that only 11% of users realized that the lock symbol referred to HTTPS encryption. Many others believed that it meant the site was trustworthy, which is problematic as a lot of phishing sites use the technology.

The new icon is a variant of the tune icon, or the settings icon (as some would refer to it) and is meant to signal that security is the default state rather than trustworthiness. It is also more inviting for users to click, making it more likely that they will use site controls. To keep up with evolving security standards, the tech giant has been making a lot of changes. It recently added Passkeys to Google Accounts, and Blue Checkmarks to Gmail. Most users will see the new icon in Chrome 117 on Android and desktop, which is expected to arrive early in September.

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Google Unveils Chrome 113: Boosting Video Calls and Web Graphics Performance

Oğuz Çakır — Wed, 03 May 2023 23:17:30 +0000

Google Chrome continues to be the undisputed leader in the browser market. According to recent research, the company holds a 66.13% market share, far ahead of its closest competitor, Safari, with an 11.87% share. However, as in every industry, competition here benefits users and prevents leading names from becoming complacent. As a result, all browsers, including Chrome, regularly update with new features and performance improvements for users. For instance, Google recently announced the release of Chrome 113, a major update for its popular web browser. This update introduces faster AV1 video encoding for video conference calls, WebGPU by default, and various other improvements. Here are the details…

Chrome 113 Revolutionizes Browsing with New Features

Google has announced the release of Chrome 113, which offers faster AV1 video encoding for video conference calls, WebGPU by default, and various other improvements. The new update is now accessible on Linux, macOS, and Windows platforms, including 15 additional security fixes. Some of these improvements are as follows:

Faster AV1 Video Encoding
- Chrome 113 has integrated the libaom 3.6 release, which significantly speeds up CPU-based AV1 video encoding. This update will benefit all WebRTC apps, enabling faster and more efficient video conference calls. Google Meet has already tested AV1 video quality down to 40 kbps, showing its potential for use even in low bandwidth situations.
CSS Media Features
- This release introduces the CSS overflow-inline and overflow-block media features, as well as an update to the CSS media feature.
Linear Easing Function
- Chrome 113 adds a linear() easing function, allowing for linear interpolation between multiple points.
Support for CSS image-set()
- The browser now supports CSS image-set() as a type for specifying a range of image options.
WebGPU Enabled by Default
- WebGPU, the successor to WebGL, is now enabled by default in Chrome 113. This offers improved performance for high-quality 3D graphics in the web, making it an exciting development for gamers and other users who rely on advanced graphics.

With the release of Chrome 113, users can expect faster and more efficient video conference calls, better support for CSS media features, and improved 3D graphics performance with WebGPU enabled by default.

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Apple’s Safari Outshines Microsoft Edge in Desktop Browser Race

Oğuz Çakır — Mon, 01 May 2023 23:24:58 +0000

When it comes to browsers, Google Chrome has achieved an incredible success. Even on platforms where it is not pre-installed, it becomes the first choice, replacing the default options. As a result, there is hardly any movement in the market. However, Microsoft, tired of this situation, decided to make some changes. They introduced a new browser based on Chromium and integrated artificial intelligence technologies, hoping to increase the number of users. But it seems that things didn’t quite turn out as expected. Microsoft Edge is no longer world’s second desktop browser. Here are the details…

Microsoft Edge is no longer world’s second desktop browser

According to Statcounter’s April 2023 report, Microsoft Edge is no longer the world’s second most popular desktop browser. The increasing importance of mobile devices, rising MacBook sales due to M-series processors, and users wanting to stay within the ecosystem sticking to Safari have finally led to the inevitable. The American technology giant has handed over its long-held second place position to Apple. The current ranking is as follows:

Google Chrome – 66.13% (+0.36 points)
Apple Safari – 11.87% (+0.95 points)
Microsoft Edge – 11% (-0.15 points)
Firefox – 5.65% (-0.82 points)
Opera – 3.09% (-0.08 points)

Statcounter says Safari is now in second place with a market share of 11.87%, a 0.95 points uplift compared with the previous month. Edge is now third, struggling to surpass an 11% mark for almost a year. In April 2023, Microsoft Edge lost 0.15 points. As for Chrome, it holds 66.13%, with a 0.36 points month-over-month increase.

Probably the most disappointing thing is that the decline happened this year. As you know, ChatGPT and similar artificial intelligence technologies have been creating a storm on the internet for a while now. Microsoft is one of the companies that have adapted to this technology the fastest. However, it seems that innovations have not worked despite all these efforts.

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Google Chrome Web App gets Play Store-like installation design

Soumyakanti — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 11:05:16 +0000

Google Chrome is set to enhance the installation experience of web apps with a new design that resembles the familiar Play Store cards used to install Android apps. This development is a significant improvement from the current rudimentary installation process that shows a small app icon and an option to add to the home screen.

Richer UI install card now available for Chrome Web App

The new “Richer Install UI” is a card that slides up from the bottom of the screen, featuring an icon preview, app description, and screenshots. This way, users can easily understand the capabilities of the web app before installing it. The new prompt is available for desktop and mobile versions of Chrome, with the desktop prompt docked to the address bar.

Web apps offer a more flexible interface than Android apps and take up less space in device storage, making them a viable alternative for new and emerging form factors like foldables. Services like Twitter and Instagram have web apps that are better suited to larger screens, providing a more seamless user experience than their native counterparts.

This development is expected to encourage more developers to work on web apps that are more compatible with big screens, making them more mainstream. The new installation prompt is compatible with Chrome 94 and above on mobile and Chrome 108 and above on desktop, giving users with older versions of Chrome access to the improved installation process.

Google Chrome’s efforts to enhance the installation process of web apps will undoubtedly make them more accessible to users and encourage the development of more compatible and flexible web apps. Google also has implemented a new Instance Switcher feature for Google Chrome on Android that allows for seamless multitasking between different tabs and instances, making mobile browsing more efficient than ever.

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Google Enables WebGPU Tech for Next-Gen Browser Gaming

Oğuz Çakır — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 12:43:26 +0000

Google has announced that WebGPU, an API designed to give web apps greater access to your graphics card’s capabilities, will be enabled by default in Chrome 113. The release is scheduled for around three weeks from now, and WebGPU will be available on Windows PCs supporting Direct3D 12, macOS, and ChromeOS devices with Vulkan support. Here are the details…

Google is rolling out WebGPU tech for next-gen gaming in your browser

In a blog post, Google explained that WebGPU allows developers to achieve the same level of graphics with significantly less code while providing more than three times the improvements in machine learning model inferences. This breakthrough is especially relevant in the current age of generative AIs and large language models, opening up possibilities for advanced machine learning applications that take advantage of local hardware.

WebGPU technology can also enable developers to create better-looking games for your browser. Babylon.js, for instance, already has an impressive demo that can be run on the Chrome Beta. Google has described this month’s release as a “building block for future updates and enhancements,” with more advanced graphics features and deeper access to shader cores expected. Developers can also look forward to improvements in the development of content that runs on WebGPU.

The API has been under development since its conception in 2017, and it is not exclusive to Chrome. In the future, it is expected to be available in Firefox and Safari as well. Google is working on expanding its implementation to support more operating systems, including Linux and Android.

In other Chrome-related news, Google announced on Wednesday its plans to speed up future releases of the browser. While the stable releases’ schedule remains unchanged, Google aims to “feature freeze” them later, shortening the time between when developers stop adding new features to the build and when the general public receives the update. This change is expected to streamline the development process.

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Google Chrome for Android Takes Multitasking to The Next Level With Instance Switcher

Oğuz Çakır — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 08:36:28 +0000

Google Chrome users on Android should soon be getting a valuable upgrade to the browser called “Instance Switcher”. This feature allows users to have multiple Chrome windows open simultaneously, This could be a significant productivity boost for users, who can now have different windows for different tasks, such as “work” and “home” or for cross-referencing while researching.

One of the key benefits of this feature is that it allows users to run two versions of Chrome simultaneously and interact with both simultaneously via split-screen or by placing one instance over the other. This is useful for those who work from home, as they can now have separate windows for work and home tasks. Additionally, it allows users to watch a YouTube video while reading around the subject without switching between tabs.

This feature is similar to the “open new window” button on Safari for iPad and could be especially useful on the best Android tablets. However, the split-screen may be a bit small on some phones. While this feature may not be revolutionary, it is a handy addition to Chrome on mobile and desktop, showing that Google is not resting on its laurels.

This follows other recent time-saving features, such as pinned tabs and the secondary search window added in late 2022. The Instance Switcher feature can be found by tapping the three dots menu on Chrome and selecting “Manage Windows,” although there has been no official announcement from Google yet.

Even as a market leader it is good to see Google not resting on its laurels and adding new time-saving features to Chrome on mobile and desktop like the pinned tabs and the secondary search window added in late 2022.

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Google Chrome Will Now Consume Much Less RAM And Energy

Oğuz Çakır — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 11:35:42 +0000

Google Chrome is a widely popular web browser due to its fast speed and user-friendly interface. However, it is also known for being a resource-intensive browser that can consume a significant amount of battery and system memory. This can be particularly frustrating for users with low-power devices or those who multitask while browsing the web. Luckily, this problem will solve with the new features.

New Google Chrome features to save battery and make browsing smoother

Google has announced that it will be optimizing its Chrome web browser for battery and system memory. The company will be rolling out new performance settings that will reduce Chrome’s memory usage by up to 40% to improve the stability of open tabs. The new modes, called Memory Saver and Energy Saver, will be available globally for Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS in the coming weeks.

Memory Saver mode is designed to help users who have many tabs open at the same time. It will reduce the memory usage of each tab, allowing users to keep more tabs open without causing their device to slow down. Memory Saver mode frees up memory from tabs you aren’t currently using so the active websites you’re browsing have the smoothest possible experience. This is especially useful if you’re running other intensive applications, like editing family videos or playing games. Any inactive tabs will be reloaded when you need them.

Energy Saver mode is designed to help users extend their device’s battery life while using Chrome. It will automatically activate when a user’s device battery level drops to 20%, and it will reduce energy consumption by limiting background activity and visual effects for websites with animations and videos. This can be particularly useful for users who rely on their devices for long periods of time without access to a power source.

These new modes are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the performance and efficiency of Chrome. The company has also recently introduced other features, such as tab grouping and tab search, to help users manage their open tabs more efficiently. With the addition of Memory Saver and Energy Saver modes, Chrome users will have even more control over how the browser uses their device’s resources. You can find these controls under the three-dot menu in Chrome.

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Chrome update brings productivity improvements to Android tablets

Sudhanshu — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 09:23:15 +0000

A new version of Chrome for Android tablets has been released by Google, making it easier to switch between tabs and finish activities more quickly on Android tablets. Additionally, Chrome will also get a couple more features to improve productivity on Android tablets. So, let’s check these features out in detail.

Side-by-side design

Finding the right tab can be difficult on a smaller screen with numerous open ones. To make choosing tabs simpler, Google modified it by incorporating a side-by-side design into Chrome. You can swipe back and forth between tabs using the auto-scroll back function as well. To avoid accidental closing of tabs, the close button is hidden when the tabs get too small. If you do end up accidentally closing a tab, there is a one-click button to restore it.

Visual tab grid

Google has introduced the visual tab grid to make it even easier to locate a specific tab when you have multiple tabs open. Instead of being displayed in a horizontal stream, tabs are now displayed in a grid with a preview to make navigation easier. If you have a foldable smartphone, visual tabs are helpful because the smaller screen on the outside matches the larger screen inside.

Drag & drop out of Chrome

Sharing content across apps is also now easier while you browse the internet using Chrome as you can simply drag and drop images, text, and links to apps like Gmail, Photos or Keep.

Desktop mode

A lot of times, websites don’t work as they are supposed to on tablets, or some features of the site are missing on the tablet version. Got get around this issue, you can set Chrome to always request and display the desktop version of a website.

Tab groups

Tab Groups is a feature currently available on the PC and Android smartphone versions of Chrome. It helps in increasing productivity and keeping things organized as the feature can group tabs to keep related pages together in one workspace. With this update, this feature is now available on all Android tablets.

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Popular Chrome extensions with 1.4 million users found stealing user data

Sudhanshu — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 05:16:05 +0000

Google Chrome is currently the most popular web browser in the world by a mile. The Google browser’s support for different extensions that help increase productivity and user experience is one of the reasons for its popularity.

Now, a new report from McAfee states that four Google Chrome extensions were stealing users’ browsing data. Over 1.4 million people have downloaded these five extensions. These extensions include Netflix Party, Netflix Party 2, Full Page Screenshot Capture – Screenshotting, and AutoBuy Flash Sales.

Among these, Netflix Party and Netflix Party 2 were the most downloaded of the five extensions. These extensions enable users to watch shows or movies on Netflix together even when they are in different locations by syncing the videos. Netflix Party has over 800,000 downloads, whereas Netflix Party 2 Chrome Extension has over 300,000 downloads.

According to the report, these extensions loaded a multipurpose script that transfers browsing data to an attacker-controlled domain. Every time a user visits a new URL, their browsing data is transferred to this domain. The data includes the user ID, device location, nationality, zip code, and an encoded referral URL. They use this in order to insert code into eCommerce websites that are being visited. This operation alters the site’s cookies so that the extension creators receive affiliate payment for any products purchased.

The Chrome Web Store has removed Netflix Play, Netflix Play 2, and AutoBuy Flash Sales extensions. The other extensions, on the other hand, are still available for download.

Android users have to Immediately Update their Chrome browsers to patch severe vulnerability

Divyansh Mehta — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 09:52:26 +0000

Android smartphone users need to quickly update the Chrome browser to the latest version available in the Google Play Store. Such a measure is necessary for all users because a vulnerability with a “high” severity rating might allow a malicious app to commandeer your phone, claims MUO. Google claims that it won’t speak publicly about the problem until the patch has been implemented by the vast majority of Chrome users.

The exploit can be fixed by updating Chrome on your Android smartphone to version 103.0.5060.71. Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Chrome to find out which version of Chrome you are presently using. The Chrome version that is currently installed on your Android phone should be visible if you scroll to the bottom.

You should update the patched version of the browser as soon as you can if the version you are running is older than the 103.0.5060.71 listed above. However, there is a significant red flag: Chrome cannot be removed from Android.

The vulnerability seems to be connected to Web RTC. This platform enables the sharing of voice, video, and unspecific data. The platform is used by developers to create speech and video apps.

This is a severe problem that, according to reports, has been exploited by malicious attackers. CVE-2022-2294 is its CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) number. According to Google, “an attack for CVE-2022-2294 exists in the wild.”

Steps to update Chrome browser on Android devices

Open the Google Play Store and tap the profile symbol in the upper right corner of the screen.
Select Manage Apps and Devices.
Tap on See Details under Updates Available.
Check for Chrome updates. Tap on the Update icon if there is one. Close the screen and try again later if there is no change.
If you do get to install an update, use the instructions at the top of the post to determine the version number on your phone. Check to see whether it is 103.0.5060.71 or above.

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Two new Redmi Note 11s, OnePlus 10 Pro global launch, Chrome v100, and more stories from Last Week

Sudarshan Ravichandran — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 11:59:16 +0000

Last week was not the busiest in the consumer technology world. However, we did witness multiple product launches in different markets though some of them had already gone official earlier.

The most notable events were hosted by OnePlus and Black Shark for the OnePlus 10 series and the Black Shark 5 series respectively. Then, there was also a Xiaomi conference at which the company introduced two more Redmi Note 11s.

Finally, as far as non-launches are concerned, we have selected two articles to complete our list. These are regarding Samsung’s self-repair program and Chrome v100.

With that out of the day, let’s take a look at the aforementioned stories one by one.

Chrome 100 and Chrome OS 100 now rolling out with multiple new features

Zohaib Ahmed — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 10:44:04 +0000

After having first appeared on Chrome Canary in January this year, version 100 of the browser has now made it to the stable branch, touching triple digits for the first time. The update is now rolling out to Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.

The most notable change with the update is the new iconography, which Google says has been adjusted to match the system icons on various platforms. It gains a subtle gradient on Windows, a 3D look on macOS, and a flatter design on Chrome OS. All in all, the new logo appears more lively.

In addition to that, with Chrome 100, Google has also eliminated “Lite Mode,” which was previously available on Android and iOS and allowed users to save data. With the feature enabled, some of your web browsing would go through Google’s servers and then back to you in a more compressed format, rather than directly to your device.

The new version also brings a new multi-screen window placement API that allows certain windows to be displayed on certain monitors, which is useful for those who frequently use multiple monitors.

Google is known for updating Chrome OS synonymously with its Chrome browser so the operating system has been bumped up to v100 as well. Changes with it include a new launcher that doesn’t take up the entire screen anymore, search improvements, the ability to edit text using your voice, and more.

Portless laptop, 500Hz+ refresh rate monitor, new Chrome logo, and more from Last Week

Sudarshan Ravichandran — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 07:53:17 +0000

The last week in tech was sort of slow. Mostly because of the Chinese New Year. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t any important stories. For instance, we witnessed the announcement of two big acquisitions, a popular battle royale game made its way to mobile phones, a laptop with no ports, and more. Like every week, we have compiled a list of the top 10 stories based on our opinion. We have listed them below in no particular order.

As you all know that everyone’s opinions differ from each other, we would like to know your top picks after going through this article. Make sure to drop them in the comment section at the end of this post.

Google Chrome logo gets its first paint job in 8 years

Zohaib Ahmed — Sat, 05 Feb 2022 07:15:42 +0000

Google Chrome is finally getting a new logo after 8 years with an even more simplified design to align with Google’s “more modern brand expression,” a designer for the browser revealed on Friday. The change will be reflected across all devices soon.

The color scheme has not really been switched, with red, blue, green, and yellow still being the primary colors, but the saturation has been upped a little and shadows have been ditched. All in all, the new logo looks largely unchanged but does appear more lively.

Some of you might have noticed a new icon in Chrome’s Canary update today. Yes! we’re refreshing Chrome’s brand icons for the first time in 8 years. The new icons will start to appear across your devices soon. pic.twitter.com/aaaRRzFLI1

— Elvin (@elvin_not_11) February 4, 2022

There’s one major change this time around, however — the Chrome icon has been tweaked per the design principles of various operating systems. It gains a subtle gradient on Windows, a 3D look on macOS, and an extremely flat design on Chrome OS to match other system icons.

macOS and iOS get a couple of additional changes though. Chrome Beta on macOS now includes a new ribbon that says “BETA.” And on iOS, the beta version will use a blueprint-like design as a nod to Apple’s developer-focused apps.

The new iconography will begin showing up across devices “in the next few months” but Beta and Dev could get it sooner.

Chrome also hit its 100th version in the Canary channel last month and what better way to celebrate the milestone than a fresh paint job? We would go as far as assuming that the touch-up is indeed a part of it, even though the Google designer didn’t hint so.

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Google has cherry-picked these Chrome extensions officially for you to try out

Zohaib Ahmed — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 08:54:01 +0000

Google Chrome is a fairly feature-rich browser but also offers a dedicated Web Store using which various extensions and plugins can be installed to make the browsing experience even better. If you are a newcomer to the world of browser extensions or are simply looking to explore further, then you’ll be pleased to know that Google has released a list of their favorite extensions for 2021 – and oh boy are they worth trying.

To be clear, not all of these extensions have been released in 2021. Rather, they are just a bunch that Google thinks have outshone the rest. Various categories like communication, productivity, classroom tools, and even customization have been covered, and we have listed each of these extensions below along with a short description of them.

Communication and collaboration

Loom — Makes it easier to capture and share videos with others.
Mote — Allows you to give quick feedback through voice commenting and transcripts.
WordTune — Helps you clearly communicate by rephrasing sentences and catching typos in emails and documents.

Productivity

Forest — Gamifies productivity through virtual tree planting and rewards.
Dark Reader — Protects your eyes (and sleep schedule) with a reading dark mode.
Tab Manager Plus — Helps better organize your tabs.
Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder — Makes it easier to quickly screenshot and record content to share across platforms.

Classroom tools

Kami — Creates an interactive online learning space for students and teachers.
InsertLearning — Helps you easily take notes and integrates with Google Classroom.
Toucan — Makes learning a new language fun and immersive.
Rememberry — Organizes vocabulary words into flashcard decks for quick studying throughout the day.

Others

Stylus — Helps you build and install custom themes and skins for your favorite sites.
Rakuten — Puts cash in your pocket by automatically finding coupons and deals across the web.

It is worth mentioning here that these extensions can be installed not only on Google Chrome but on almost every browser barring Firefox, including Edge, Opera, Brave, Vivaldi, etc. since they’re all Chromium-based.

Apple had released a similar list comprised of the most popular apps from its App Store for this year, and you can check it out from here.

Microsoft adds new prompts to stop users from switching to Chrome

Sudhanshu — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 14:57:05 +0000

Microsoft has been going full force in promoting its web browser, Edge, against the popular Google Chrome and has always tried subtle ways to push its proprietary browser forward. However, these subtle ways converted into somewhat of an underhanded method earlier this year, with Microsoft making it harder to switch the default Edge browser with the release of Windows 11.

Now, their latest attempt at this endeavor comes in the form of a prompt window in the Edge browser, discouraging people from downloading chrome on their PC. The prompts, first reported by Neowin, include messages like:

“Microsoft Edge runs on the same technology as Chrome, with the added trust of Microsoft.”
“That browser is so 2008! Do you know what’s new? Microsoft Edge.”
“I hate saving money,’ said no one ever. Microsoft Edge is the best browser for online shopping.”

Microsoft Edge prompt when you visit the Chrome download page

Through multiple tries on multiple systems, we have confirmed one of these prompts, which appear different from pop-ups or prompts you’d typically find inside a website as they seem to be rendered natively by Edge. The prompt occurs when you visit the Google Chrome website while using Microsoft Edge as your browser. The prompt has no decline button, and the only way to get rid of it is by using the close prompt button marked by an “X” on the top right.

To be completely fair to Microsoft, Google also occasionally sends such pop-ups and prompts when using its search engine or other services. But at least Google allows the option to reject its advances.

As mentioned above, Microsoft has been trying to implement various methods to retain its users on the native Edge browser, but some have managed to circumvent it cleverly, like Mozilla firefox.

Let us know in the comments below if you’ve noticed any new attempts by Microsoft to prevent you from switching your default browser.

Google Chrome to soon add Microsoft Edge-like Side Search feature

Sean — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 09:36:54 +0000

The Google Chrome team is experimenting with a new feature that could arrive in the future live build of the browser. A new “Side Search” function has been spotted that appears to be similar to a feature on Microsoft Edge.

Another new feature is coming to the side panel, "Side Search", this could be something similar to the search results that appear in Edge's Bing side panel :https://t.co/hGhMcUFWNl pic.twitter.com/SnrnJARTvZ

— Leopeva64 (@Leopeva64) September 22, 2021

The new feature on Chrome was spotted by Leopeva64 (Via XDADevelopers). It appears to be a Side Search that will display search results inside a small panel without having the user open another new tab. As of right now, Chrome offers a side panel that shows bookmarks and a “Reading List” so it isn’t unlikely that the search engine giant would seek to broaden this panel’s functionality.

Although, Leovpeva64 believes that the feature will not use the current side panel located on the right, rather, the company could implement a Side Search panel on the left side specifically for this feature. Furthermore, three related flags were also spotted on Chromium Gerrit, which includes a Side Search, Side search clear cache when close, and a Side search state per tab functions.

Notably, the new Side Search feature resembles the Microsoft Edge’s sidebar search quite a bit. Functionally, both features are quite similar, while the Edge’s sidebar search offers users to highlight a word or phrase on a webpage and display relevant search results on the side panel as well.

Android 12 to let users open multiple windows of Google Chrome similar to PC

Sean — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 08:06:28 +0000

With the new Android 12 update, the operating system is moving more towards offering functionality similar to that of a desktop PC. The new version of Google Chrome on the mobile platform would now allow users to open multiple windows of the browser just like on desktop.

On a Windows PC, one can put Chrome tabs in groups within one of two windows that can even rearranged using Windows Manager. Similarly on an Android, one can also put tabs into groups, but you can’t have multiple instances of the browser, which is possible on desktop. But now, the latest version of Android will bring multi instance support and windows manager to Chrome browser for Android.

According to an XDADevelopers report, multiple code changes have surfaced that are tagged as “multi instance” that were submitted to the Chromium Gerrit. These new changes add a “new window” button to the context menu of Google Chrome whenever the device enters into a split screen mode. This “new window” prompt allows users to launch a new instance of the browser in the other half of the screen. The second Chrome instance also opens the context menu which is updated with a “manage windows” button that lists all active windows.

Users can open up to 5 windows in total, although, there is no limit to how many tabs can be opened within each window. Notably, each Google Chrome window also appears as a different tab on the recent apps overview as well. Back in the days of Android 5.0 Lollipop, different Chrome used to appear as separate apps in the recent apps menu.

Google Chrome to receive desktop screenshot tool with Lens support

Sean — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 10:23:15 +0000

Google is planning on bringing a new feature to its Chrome browser for desktops. A new update will offer users a new screenshot tool that will arrive with Lens integration that would boost its usefulness.

As of right now, one can take a screenshot in two ways, with the first being the Window’s built in screenshot tool or by installing a dedicated Chrome extension to take a screenshot. While the Android version of Chrome has also recently received a screenshot tool in the share menu, it is only very practical since it can only capture what is being displayed on the screen and sharing it.

But now, the desktop version is set to receive an expanded share menu (Via 9To5Google) that will have various options like “Copy link,” “Copy link text,” and other screenshot options as well. At the moment, the feature is still in early development and will initially be limited to taking a simple capture. Although, these screenshots will be saved on to your clipboard and will offer options like download, edit, and sharing. The feature will likely arrive in platforms like Chrome OS and Windows 10.

Notably, the screenshot tool will have a built in editor and will also support Google Lens by a simply right click on the image, similar to the Android feature. This implies that Chrome will be expanding its Lens integration that will even enable click and drag to select a region on the screenshot to search with Lens, which would be quite useful in websites that do not allow for right clicking images.

Google Chrome for Android 64-bit requires a minimum of 8GB RAM and Android 10

Sudarshan Ravichandran — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:42:13 +0000

Google Chrome is the most-used web browser on almost all platforms. However, the Android version of the browser has got the 64-bit variant only now. But unfortunately, it is not available for a majority of users.

Last week, Google published a blog detailing the performance improvements in Chrome 89 for Android. In the same post, the search giant mentioned the eligible devices for the latest 64-bit variant of the browser.

As reported by Android Police, Google Chrome for Android 64-bit requires a minimum of 8GB RAM and Android 10. In other words, the better version of Chrome is only available for flagship and premium mid-range smartphones. Hence, millions of mid-range and budget Android users are left out.

Even Google’s own Pixel smartphones don’t come with 8GB RAM except for the Pixel 5. Previously, this amount of RAM was only found in gaming smartphones and select top-end premium flagship smartphones. But now, there are many mid-premium handsets with 8GB RAM. Most of these phones come from Chinese OEMs.

Anyway, since Android smartphones let users install applications from external sources, interested users can try installing Chrome 64-bit APK from reliable websites like APKMirror.

However, it is worth noting that if your device doesn’t match the eligibility criteria, the 64-bit variant of Chrome will be replaced by the 32-bit variant whenever a new Chrome update arrives on the Google Play Store. Hence, those users will have to manually install the 64-bit variant APK with each new update.

The post Google Chrome for Android 64-bit requires a minimum of 8GB RAM and Android 10 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google Search gets Dark Mode on Desktop

Balaji S — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 18:16:48 +0000

Google has introduced Dark Modes for various apps in the past. Right from Google Play Store to the features like Google Assistant, it has brought it to all of them. Now as per a Windowslatest report, this Dark Mode feature is rolling out for Google Search on Desktop.

Courtesy of the report(via XDA), the Dark Mode feature is slowly rolling out to Desktop users running Windows 10 and macOS. Apparently, this is also a part of the A/B testing so it might take a while to reach everyone.

For the unware, the A/B test is a randomized experiment using two or more variants of the same web page. Accordingly, a small percentage of users are able to activate the Dark Mode on the Google Search page currently. As for the browser support, the report says that users need to be on Chrome 76+ on Windows 10.

This browser, which is based on Chromium Project, should be on the version 1809 or newer. Users will first get a notification at the corner on the page saying “Dark theme is now available”. Enabling it by clicking on ‘Turn on’ will switch the search page to Dark. Once enabled, you will have the option to set it either to Light, Dark, or System Default.

That said, this has been enabled on Google App and its search already. Anyway, the report says that Google is enabling the features to other browsers based on Chromium(like New Microsoft Edge) randomly.

If you haven’t got this feature yet, you can always try the Force Dark Mode option on Chrome. To do this enter Chrome://flags on the address bar. Type ‘Dark Mode’. Enable the Force Dark Mode for Web Contents and relaunch Chrome.

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