A Newer, Shinier Google Chrome 6 Browser Arrives

Posted on September 6, 2010 by Jennifer Latkiewicz

Google has just released the latest version of Chrome 6, their top rated “Modern Browser” that makes web surfing even faster, easier and more secure. Released last week to coincide with Chrome’s second anniversary, the first stable build of Chrome 6 is updated with a few tweaks to improve on its already topnotch design.

Rated the fastest browser in a number of speedtests, Chrome is equipped with quite a few unique features to add speed and functionality: HTML5 support (allows functions like video playback without requiring an additional plug-in), a customizable New Tab page, browser themes, improved syncing tools, automatic updates, Omnibox which combines Google search with your address bar, and a “sandbox” which prevents web pages from interacting directly with the OS to helps protect against malicious code.

MORE on GLOSS: Google Chrome – Surf the Web Faster, Easier, And With More Unicorn Magic PLUS 21 Top Extensions

Users can also access the Extensions Gallery to download any of the more than 6,000 add-ons that are available to make your daily web browsing easier and more enjoyable.

Chrome has some a long way since the first beta for Windows was launched back in August 2008. Now, versions for Mac and Linux with extensions support are available, JavaScript is three times faster and HTML5 is supported, however, hardware acceleration features to speeds up page loads are still being developed and only available in the Windows version.

A few of Chrome 6′s updates:

- A simplified user interface. Google has stripped down its famous simplistic interface even more: there’s a single menu, zoom buttons are accessible without having to open the submenu, the “go” button and “http://” in the address bar are no longer seen, functions like Cut, Copy, and Paste have been combined into one line, a larger Omnibox (the address bar that doubles as a search box) and a new subdued color scheme for the toolbar.

- Synchronized Autofill and browser extensions. Never type out your name, e-mail address, or any of that other blah blah blah again! No matter what computer you’re using, Chrome 6 syncs your browser extensions as well as Autofill form data to make sign-ups and online purchases faster.

- Improved safety features. Building a secure browser is a top priority for the Chrome team. Extended features include the previously mentioned automatic updates; Safe Browsing, a warning system appears in the address bar that indicates if you’re on a safe and secure site; and more improvements to the browser’s sandbox, an added layer of protection from websites that keeps malicious code from damaging the rest of your system.

- Support for WebM videos. WebM is an open, high quality media file format that Google is trying to make freely available to everyone on the web – already supported by software like Opera, VLC, Winamp and YouTube. Learn more about the WebM Project here.

- Built-in PDF viewer. This feature is disabled by default but to enable it, open the plug-ins manager (chrome://plugins), scroll down to find “Chrome PDF Viewer” and click “Enable.”

- A new shortcut for toggling the bookmarks bar. Ctrl+Shift+B

Want to make the switch? You can import all your passwords and bookmarks from other browsers – download Chrome now at google.com/chrome.



geekGLOSS’ Jennifer Latkiewicz loves all things Google. She currently resides in Los Angeles where she remains undecided about the Singularity. Reach her via e-mail at geekgloss@mygloss.com or on Twitter at @gloss and @geekgloss.