Chrome News & Articles

Google's I/0 event keynote is in full swing with announcements for developers, gadget lovers and social media users. A cross-platform Hangouts app is one of the highlights, bringing its various communications apps together. 

When it was first introduced in late 2010, the Rockmelt social browser seemed like a next step -- instead of connecting with friends on social sites, users could connect with them directly through the browser. Rockmelt was “a browser,” co-founder Eric Vishria said at the time, “that does more than just navigate pages.” But next steps can go in unforeseen directions, and the company announced this week that it will soon "end-of-life" its social browser.  

The browser wars have taken a new direction. Google has announced that it will split off a new rendering engine from the open source WebKit that is used in its Chrome browser and Chrome OS, as well as in Apple’s Safari and others. The new open source engine is called Blink, and now Opera has announced it will also go Blink.

 An early build of Windows Blue, the first upgrade for Windows 8, somewhere between a service pack and Windows 9, has leaked online allowing users a peek at what Microsoft plans for its evolved user interface. Will it make any difference to the depressed PC market in a mobile-obsessed world?

 Google's new addition to the Chromebook range boosts it way out of the cheap-and-functional category into the Ultrabook class of sexy and desirable. But will that be enough to boost uptake of Google and partner's Chrome-powered devices?. 

Malicious Flash Player content has been circulating, and Adobe has responded with an emergency security update for Mac, Windows, Linux, Android and various browser systems.

 While HP's Pavilion Chromebook is effectively one of Google's low-spec PCs cased in the usual Pavilion stylings, the message to Microsoft is clear, 'You aren't the only game in town.' And with Chromebook sales on the rise, it could be a smart move as Google's OS gains momentum.

 The latest test version of the Chromium browser has a neat new feature that could see the Google Now notifications from Android devices pass over to Google's desktop browser. 

It’s that time of year again. In lieu of sending everyone a new sweater, publications’ gifts to their readers are “best of the year” lists. This year’s end-of-year summaries from Time magazine, one of the most venerable list-makers, include compilations of Top 10 Gadgets and Top 10 Apps. 

Users of the Google Chrome browser now have more privacy options available to them. Access to permissions settings has been eased and Chrome now offers a “do not track” feature.

The lifespan of technology products is far different than that of people. “Childhood,” as represented by beta phase, is measured in months rather than years, and after a year in beta Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop is the latest technology product to put aside childish things and become an adult.

 The coming week sees all three OS and hardware players hosting major product launches. Will this season's essential holiday purchase be a Mac Mini, a Surface Tablet, an Ultrabook, a Chromebook or an iPad Mini? Whatever happens at least one player is likely to be sorely disappointed. 

 It seems an odd time to launch the updated Chromebook, but at least the price is now right and the styling looks okay for those who are comfortable working in an all-cloud environment. 

We have become a society intent on not letting Facebook’s privacy settings get the better of us. Thanks to a new browser extension for both Chrome and Firefox, we are a step closer to simplifying our lives.

  The Chrome browser finally becomes available for Apple devices, giving users an alternative to Safari and allowing Google fans to sync their desktop browser content with their mobile device.