Google today pumped out a new beta of their Chrome browser that packs in quite a few enhancements for users to test. The Chrome team claims that in addition to 30-35% faster performance in the V8 and SunSpider javascript benchmarks, the beta sports several new HTML5 additions and an integrated Flash Player that auto-updates.
Chrome initially shipped with its speedy V8 javascript engine that fiercely ignited the browser javascript engine wars. The team has outlined how the engine has improved by as much as 305% since the first beta was released.
In addition to the speed improvements, many new features have been added to today’s beta release. After adding bookmark syncing in November 2009, Chrome now has the ability to sync browser preferences such as themes, homepage/startup settings, web content settings, and languages. Chrome extensions have also been enabled for use when in Chrome’s private browsing mode: incognito mode.
OSnews points out that Google has decided to purposely remove the http:// from current development builds of its Chrome browser. The change was noticed when a user reported it as a bug in the issues section of the chromium Google Code page. A coder then responded that this is a new “feature” and not a bug. Many of the comments that followed were of negativity. People don’t seem to be too fond of the http:// removal.
One issue that could arise from the omittance of http:// is that applications requiring this part of the URL will be left in the cold. However, Google is apparently taking care of by adding the http:// part to the clipboard for when you copy and paste URLs to and from the URL bar (still a work in progress). This is an interesting solution and it remains to be seen how effective it will actually be. So far, users are complaining that this completely breaks standard clipboard functionality, causing ill effects.
While Google might be leaving http:// high and dry, not-so-distant cousins, ftp:// and https:// will continue their welcomed stay in Google’s speedy little browser. Many are saying that this is confusing, inconsistent, and should not be done. In any case, users rarely type http:// in the first place. Google seems to be feeding off of this fact. However, before such a “feature” can become the norm, the public (not to mention other browsers) will eventually have to accept it.
The Dev channel has been updated to 5.0.366.2 for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
All
[r42843] Fixed a bug with incognito extensions like RSS Subscription. (Issue: 39351)
[r42400] Will no longer automatically offer to translate in incognito mode. (Issue: 38107)
[r42981] Fix file upload code to not hang the HTTP session when the file is unreadable. (Issue: 30850)
Windows
See all
Mac
[r42411] Improvements to the bookmark manager (Issue: 39085)
[r42548] Re-enable pinned tabs; add support for mini and app tabs. (Issue: 36798)
[r43157] Fix selection issues with the cookie manager after deleting cookies. (Issue: 33320)
Linux
Some minor UI changes in the omnibox.
Known Issues
The location bar is undergoing renovation. Please excuse our dust.
Important Notes
WebGL support in Chrome now runs inside the security sandbox. If you have been testing WebGL, please remove the –no-sandbox flag from your Chrome options. WebGL may be enabled via the –enable-webgl command line option.
More details about additional changes are available in the svn log of all revision.
