Google's Chrome web browser version 64 is now live for Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux users, and touted as highlight of the release is a powerful pop-up blocker.
For the mobile version, the rollout will happen in stages, which means the download "will be available ... over the course of the next few weeks." This is true for Android users, who can check if the app is ready on Google Play Store in the next few days. It will likely be the same case for those in the iOS platform.
As for the desktop users, Google is expected to send out notices when the browser is ready to download and install. This applies for Mac, Windows, and Linux systems, but in the case of PC users the update will be installed silently as usually the case.
"This release prevents sites with abusive ad experiences from opening new windows or tabs without your permission. We've also included stability and performance improvements," Google said on its official blog site.
Chrome 64 Feature Bumps
When upgraded to the latest versions, users will stand to experience how the browser's re-engineered pop-up blocker will actually work. It has become stronger than before and will actively block websites that contain unwanted contents. New windows and tabs will not open without permission from users.
This feature is in line with the Abusive Experiences feature that keeps a database of supposedly erring websites. It is advised that site owners refer to the Abusive Experiences Report, check if their sites have been listed, and then reach out to Google to address the issue.
The new Chrome version will also give access to a new configuration menu called Site Settings. Users looking to mute the audio of a specific website can head to this menu, and they can do away with the annoying sound forever. Be warned, though, that to apply this on multiple sites, one will need to perform the tweaking for each site.
As Chrome 64 was deployed with a considerable amount of enhancements that include changes on many key features, Google thought it wise to provide a guide to make for an easier transition from the previous releases.
The upgrade likewise involves the usually unseen security fixes but inarguably is the most important components. In the case of Chrome 64, Google paid a total of $22,000 as bounty for the vulnerabilities identified and reported by security researchers.
The bugs have been patched, indicating that the latest Google Chrome is more powerful and secured than ever and should be enough to get the update as soon as they become available.
