Hasta La Gadget!

Google has been testing search-enabled tabs in Chrome since December, but you’ve had to run test versions of the browser to see those tabs in action. That changes today: the company is expanding its trials to include a small number of users running stable copies of Chrome and Chrome OS. If you’re part of that exclusive group and use Google as your default search engine, you’ll see a search box appear in every new tab. The page also supports other providers through a developer API. While Google doesn’t say if or when the new search feature will reach every Chrome user, it notes that previous tests have been “encouraging” — don’t be surprised if your tabs get the same treatment in the near future.

Filed under: Internet, Software, Google

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Source: Chromium Blog

After sitting in a beta phase since early April, Chrome 27 is finally seeing a wide release with its arrival on the stable track. Headlining the fresh desktop version is a 5 percent speed boost to web page load times and a new API for saving and syncing data to Google Drive. Refined spell correction, “numerous fundamental improvements” to the Omnibox, improved prediction rankings and an assortment of security fixes have also been baked in. Back in developer territory, Google’s François Beaufort announced that the latest Chromium build for Mac has been outfitted with the anticipated app launcher. Check your browser for the update or jab the source links below to grab the apps manually.

Filed under: Google

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Via: AppleInsider

Source: Chrome Releases, François Beaufort (Google+)

Chrome OS being a web-based platform doesn’t preclude the existence of power users — see the Chromebook Pixel. Google wants to encourage them with software, too, which is why it’s rolling out a new update to the stable Chrome OS code. The new version automatically positions windows to show more whenever a user hasn’t customized the look, and there’s now official support for extending a desktop across multiple screens. Other additions are subtler: copy protection is a bigger deal with both an HTML5 decryption module and support for Encrypted Media Extensions, and exacting users can both re-order the app launcher as well as set tap-to-drag as a preference. The refresh is pushing out over the next few days to all devices save for Samsung Chromebooks. It’s not the first time a Chrome OS update has glossed over Samsung portables, but everyone else should enjoy the extra screen real estate.

Filed under: Laptops, Google

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Source: Chrome Releases

Google’s fast-track approach to updating Chrome gives a different theme to each update: last time, it was all about visual acuity. For the just launched Chrome 22 stable version, the focus swings to gaming. Web apps can now lock in the mouse control for first-person shooters, simulations and other 3D content that needs the full attention of the pointer during play. Not keen on action games through the browser? There’s still some fine-tuning in place for those who live on the cutting edge, including Windows 8 users and Retina MacBook Pro owners. The update may already be sitting on your computer if you’re running Chrome; if not, you can get your gaming-friendly fix (and the security notes) through the source links.

Filed under: Gaming, Internet, Software

Google adds mouse lock to stable Chrome 22 for 3D shooter mavens originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Retina MacBook Pro owners have been waiting for this day for six weeks: that promised Retina support in Google Chrome is now part of a finished, stable release. Chrome 21 is now crisp and clear for those who took the plunge on Apple’s new laptop but would rather not cling to Safari for the web. No matter what hardware you’re using, Google has rolled in its promised WebRTC support to let webcams and microphones have their way without Flash or other plugins. Other notable tweaks like wider support for Cloud Print and gamepads tag along in the update as well. If you’re at all intrigued by the expanded hardware support in Chrome, Google has an abundance of details (and downloads) at the links below.

Filed under: Internet, Software

Google Chrome 21 stable release adds Retina MacBook Pro support, webcam use without plugins originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 17:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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