A new update for Google Chrome, dubbed version 67, has now been released, featuring password-free sign-ins for a number of websites, site isolation, and more expanded virtual reality support.
Chrome 67 allows users to sign-in to certain websites using biometrics such as fingerprints and through other autnrethicators such as a security key or a mobile phone connected via Bluetooth. It's a boon for users who don't want to be bothered with remembering passwords for multiple websites, which is difficult to do.
Web Authentication Brings Password-Less Sign-Ins To Chrome
The feature comes from the Web Authentication standard, launched this past March by the FIDO Alliance and the W3C to let users sign-in to virtually any online service through unique credentials that don't need to be memorized, such as the aforementioned biometrics-based methods.
Aside from that, the feature also helps them avoid phishing or middle-man attacks — tactics bad agents attempt as a way to gain passwords often without the user even aware of it happening. The FIDO Alliance and W3C assures that user information, including biometric templates, "never leave the user's device and are never stored on servers."
"Google Chrome is dedicated to building a better web, and allowing developers to interact with secure keystores in a structured way helps us continue this mission," said Google Cloud management director Sam Srinivas, adding that the company is "excited for the launch of these standards and look forward to our continued collaboration."
Chrome, however, isn't the first to implement this standard. Mozilla Firefox received it first, and presumably Microsoft Edge will also get it later on.
Other New Features On Chrome Version 67
Aside from making it easier for users to sign-in to sites, Chrome 67 is also increasing its use of site isolation, which keeps each open tab separate so that one site can't access data from other open tabs, a common methodology of Spectre-like attacks.
The browser also gets increased VR compatibility via the Generic Sensor API, a standard used among fitness trackers and VR headsets, which should make integrations between desktops and standalone gadgets much easier.
Chrome version 67 is available to download now. To update, head over to the Settings page, click the hamburger menu, and then choose "About Chrome." Chrome will automatically start checking for updates and download the latest version. Once it's done downloading, click "Relaunch Now" to complete the process.
Have you updated to the latest version of Chrome? How's the overall experience so far? As always, if you have anything to share, feel free to sound them off in the comments section below!
