New Chrome Tags Noisy Tabs, Clones Chrome OS in Windows 8

Google has updated its Chrome browser to version 32, adding some unique features previously dumped into the beta channel in November. The biggest feature with this release is the Chrome OS interface when using the "Metro" version of Chrome in Windows 8. Google has essentially cloned Chrome OS, giving Windows 8 users two operating systems on one device.

"Manage multiple Chrome windows and quickly get to your favorite Chrome Apps with an integrated app launcher," the company's software engineer Yuri Wiitala states. "On the desktop, we've updated the default styling of UI elements like form controls and scrollbars to match the sleek design of the new Chrome Metro interface."

When launching Chrome, the entire screen turns gray. Along the bottom is an app button that brings up a "start menu," and a taskbar of sorts that has Chrome, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Search and YouTube pinned apps along the bottom, accompanied by a system clock in the right-bottom corner. Sound familiar?

What makes this feel like an OS is the fact that anything you open is windowed inside the main Chrome browser window. Want to get back into Windows 8? Merely take your finger and swipe from the left side into the screen. Don't like this OS within an OS? Merely relaunch Chrome on the desktop.

In addition to the Chrome OS interface, this latest version also helps users track down noisy tabs. There's nothing more annoying than web pages that automatically play video and audio, and Chrome now throws up an icon on the tab indicating that a video is playing, a site is using your webcam, or you're currently casting to Chromecast.

The new browser also warns users of potential malware when downloading files, and has brought supervised users out of beta.

"You can now use a beta preview of supervised users to help family members who may need some guidance browsing the web. Once you create a supervised user, you can visit chrome.com/manage to review their browsing activity and determine site restrictions," Wiitala reports.

To download Google Chrome, head here.

  • damianrobertjones
    Bloatware. If you can't beat them then install your crap... . :(
    Reply
  • virtualban
    Neat concept though, especially with so many people not liking the W8 interface.
    Reply
  • hyperanthripoid
    Now they just need to add Google Play and support for android apps
    Reply
  • jarred125
    Bloatware. If you can't beat them then install your crap... . :(
    No, not quite. You don't have to install Chrome, feel free to use another browser.
    Reply