Google announces new features for Chrome
Google has launched a new beta version of its Chrome browser which includes a number of new innovations including additional privacy controls for users and seamless integration of translation functionality.
The new beta release gives users even greater choice and control over their privacy as they browse the web.
In addition to Chrome's existing incognito mode – a handy way to browse the web without leaving traces of website visits or downloads on your computer – users now have even more in-depth control over their privacy settings in the new "Content Settings" section of Chrome's Privacy Options dialog.
In this beta, a user can control how browser cookies, images, JavaScript, plug-ins, and pop-ups are handled on a site-by-site basis. For example, you can set up cookie rules to allow cookies specifically only for sites that you trust, and block cookies from untrusted sites.
As well as the above, users of the new beta can now also do the following:
Add cookie rules for specific websites (such as 'allow', 'ask', or 'block')
Block all third-party cookies
Automatically clear all cookies when the browser is closed
Block loading of all images
Add image rules for specific websites
Block loading of all JavaScript
Add JavaScript rules for specific websites
Block loading of all plug-ins
Add plug-in rules for specific websites
Google Chrome's option dialogs also provide a link to the Adobe Flash Player Settings Manager, where users can view and control the local objects that Adobe Flash stores on their computer.
The new Chrome beta will also add a feature to help our users navigate the multilingual web: instant machine translation of webpages, without the need for any browser extensions or plug-ins.
When the language of the webpage you're viewing is different from your preferred language setting, Chrome will display a prompt asking if you'd like the page to be translated for you. Users can also set an option to automatically translate all pages they encounter in a particular language.
Users can now try out these features in today's beta release. Users already on the beta channel will soon be updated automatically. We hope to bring these new translation and privacy features to all users in the coming weeks.
Over the past weeks we have also introduced a range of Google Chrome Extensions that users in the UK may find useful, by adding new features and functions to your browser. Some provide one-click access to some of your favorite web applications, while others are useful tweaks for performing common online tasks such as browsing photos, reading the news or shopping. UK extensions have been built by companies including: Tfl, TicketMaster, SeatWave, Heat, Empire, FHM, Invisible Hand [Extension that searches for cheaper prices on products as you browse], Independent, Financial Times.
Wieland Holfelder, Google 's Engineering Director in Munich, said: "Browsers are perhaps the most important piece of software for computer users today. We're innovating quickly with Chrome, and continue to work towards our three central principles: speed, security and simplicity. With the new release, we also give users even more choice and control over their own privacy while surfing the web. The translate feature will hopefully open up the web for people to discover new, compelling content - no matter what language it's written in."
Jon White, Principal Marketing Planner at Transport for London, said: "We’re delighted to be working with Google on this project. Giving Londoners instant access to travel information is something we take very seriously. Our Chrome Extension makes it even easier having instant access to live travel news from right within the browser, is a great way for Londoners to ‘check before you travel’ and one we think will be adopted across the Capital."
Robin Landy, developer of InvisibleHand Extension: "Developing on Chrome is great. We can launch and iterate much faster than on other web platforms."