Google has just released a first stable beta of its Chrome browser update 112 on PC. A new version that updates its web application support and adds some graphical elements.
Google has rolled out a first stable version of its Chrome browser update 112 beta. // Source: Google
After a first beta in early March, Google has just announced the release of a first stable version of the next Chrome 112 update on computers on Wednesday March 29th. An iteration of its world’s most popular web browser that follows the release of Chrome 111 in early March and has mostly made improvements aimed at making developers’ jobs easier.
This forecast version 112 focuses on web applications while offering some visual changes including the beginnings of a graphical overhaul coming in 2023.
A new welcome page
Source: Android Police
This is the biggest visual change in Chrome 112, and it’s minor. If you decide to switch to Google’s browser (or reinstall Chrome on a PC), a new welcome page will now prompt you to sign in to the software with your Google account.
Chrome 112 thus highlights the advantages of this choice: synchronization between your devices, “better security” to protect your passwords and the backup of your favorites. A novelty that, according to the Android Police information page, is not yet available to all users of this stable version.
The beginning of a graphic revision
Source: Frandroid screenshot
It’s very easy, but it’s a start. Chrome 112 has a new experimental feature to test some graphical changes, which can be activated via the address chrome://flags/#chrome-refresh-2023. A name that suggests that a next global visual update could see the light of day later in the year.
The changes are subtle for now: the tab bar background changes from gray to light blue, while text boxes and buttons become more rounded and the address bar slightly larger.
The end of Chrome apps
This version 112 puts a nail in the coffin of an outdated Google technology: Chrome apps. Specifically, these small pieces of software made it possible to install software from the Chrome Web Store (where you download your Chromium browser themes and extensions) and run it directly in the browser without having to install it on your storage hard drive. They can no longer be installed on Chrome 112.
However, Google has gradually abandoned them in favor of Progressive Web Apps (PWA). These use web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to provide an experience similar to a native application installed on your device, but in a separate window from Chrome.
If Chrome apps have been scheduled to stop working since December 2022, Google has extended their lifespan so as not to stop businesses that rely on them from using them. A hidden option still makes it work for Chrome 113 and 114, but after that it’s over.
Even faster web applications
Conversely, Chrome 112 will also optimize the loading of PWA web applications. Specifically, when loading a web app, the browser also attempts to retrieve elements that allow it to work offline or temporarily cache data.
In many cases, these elements are not integrated into the web application, which slows down its loading time. Google Chrome 112 will therefore automatically skip loading these items if the developers have indicated that there are none.
Google highlights its privacy toolkit
Source: Frandroid screenshot
Back in February, Google introduced a new toolkit called “Privacy Sandbox” that offers Chrome users new settings to manage the data they share with the websites they visit.
This new page is now powered by Chrome 112. In particular, it makes it possible to prevent certain websites from showing you personalized advertising and to block advertising for specific areas of interest.
Where to test this beta version of Chrome 112?
This version 112 in stable beta of the Google browser is currently available for Windows, Mac and Android. You can go to the dedicated Google Chrome page to download the version compatible with your device.
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