Google released version 10 of its popular Chrome browser to all platforms today, carrying with it several new and updated features.
User Experience Enhancements
First and foremost, the “Options” panel for managing Google Chrome's advanced behaviors has been redesigned and integrated directly into the browser window – no more pop-up dialog box. This is the latest in Google's efforts to streamline Chrome's operation and maintain a consistently minimal interface across all of their services.
If you struggle with remembering alpha-numeric, symbol-laden passwords, you are in luck. Password sync is now integrated into Google Chrome and controlled by your logged-in Google account. If you have not previously utilized the bookmark syncing abilities, the functionality is accessible in the redesigned “Options” panel.
While this is a major convenience for end-users, there are substantial security implications. IT professionals should keep in mind that it is easy for users to forget which account they have logged into Chrome and save a sensitive password in a non-secure location.
Additionally, Google has reportedly,
“… improved settings for bookmarks, passwords, searches and home pages as well as enhanced protection from websites booby-trapped by hackers with malicious code.”
New Javascript Engine, “Crankshaft”
In addition to the aforementioned interface changes, Google has introduced a new, speedy Javascript intepretation engine, codenamed “Crankshaft”, that boasts up to 66% improvement in performance.
Users will benefit most from this upgrade when visiting script-laden pages, such as Google's example website, 20 Things I Learned About Browsers & the Web.
Visitors of websites featuring Adobe® Flash® will benefit from Chrome 10 as well thanks to improved “sandboxing” technology. Google says the functionality hardens Chrome's crash-resistance and should reduce the chance of browsing errors due to malfunctioning web applications.
To update Chrome, click the wrench icon in your browser and select “About Google Chrome” to force an update check.
