Comments for Google Releases New Stable Version of Chrome: Faster, Full Screen Mode, Form Autofill

Google Releases New Stable Version of Chrome: Faster, Full Screen Mode, Form Autofill

2009-05-21T18:47:32Z

Today, Google announced a major new update to its Chrome web browser that gives the application a large speed boost, as well as some new features. According to Google, Chrome now loads JavaScript-heavy pages 30% faster than the previous stable version. Some of the new features that Google announced today were already available in the last beta version, but users on the stable version will now get access to Chrome's full screen mode, form autofill, and improved new tap pages. In addition, Google says that the new stable version of Chrome contains over 300 bug-fixes.

]]> Google Chrome is available in three versions, a stable, mainstream version, a beta version, and a cutting-edge developer version. Today's updates were already available in the beta version, but for most users who probably didn't know that the other development tracks exist, these updates represent a major step forward.

Improved New Tab Page, Autofill, Full Screen Mode

Similar to the beta version of Apple's Safari 4, Google Chrome now allows users to delete items from the new tabs page. As Google puts it, you can now finally hide those "embarrassing gossip blogs" from your Most Visited section, which automatically appears when you open a new tab in Chrome.

Chrome can now also autofill forms with information a user has previously entered into similar forms, and it finally has a full-screen mode that hides the title bar and the rest of the browser window.

Sadly, though, one neat feature that was available in the beta versions - the ability to drag tabs to see them side-by-side - did not make it into the stable version...yet.

Here at ReadWriteWeb, we are big fans of Chrome, but the lack of extensions always makes us go back to Firefox as our preferred browser. The developer version already contains some rudimentary support for adding extensions and user-scripts, but it will probably still take a while before these features will make it to the stable version of Chrome.

If you are already using the stable version of Chrome, these updates will be applied automatically, and if you are not using Chrome yet, you can download it here. Officially, Chrome is only available for Windows, but if you are a very brave Mac user, you can download an unstable and highly unpolished version of Chrome here.

Comment from Sakina Al-Amin on 2009-05-21

2009-05-21T21:11:47Z

Rock on Google Chrome!

Comment from DrVoIP on 2009-05-21

2009-05-21T21:20:21Z

chrome has been my favorite since its launch

Comment from Chris Mullins on 2009-05-21

2009-05-21T21:58:07Z

That's great. But, when are we going to see a Mac version?

Comment from Drew on 2009-05-21

2009-05-21T22:57:03Z

We're deperate for a Mac and/or Linux version Google!

Comment from MacStories on 2009-05-21

2009-05-21T23:24:39Z

I really would like a Mac version of chrome, maybe it would be even better than the Windows one.
But still, I can't just live without these Firefox add-ons.

Comment from UFC 98 Live Stream on 2009-05-21

2009-05-22T02:26:14Z

Google Chrome really rocks!!

Comment from Hamid Reza on 2009-05-21

2009-05-22T04:10:33Z

I think its relevant and interesting for you to know:
Google Chrome, Google Gears and Google Pack are not available for download in Iran, and if we try to browse code.google.com we see a "403 Forbidden" page with "Forbidden
Your client does not have permission to get URL / from this server. " error!

Comment from free virtual world for kids on 2009-05-21

2009-05-22T04:14:29Z

I love Google Chrome for its simplicity and speed. Great new features to have, especially the delete items from new tabs page feature because it is indeed embarrassing when people sees gossip blogs from your most visited section.

Comment from Dans on 2009-05-22

2009-05-22T07:46:29Z

I love all my Googlede with any case throw an incredible power and very fast morning I would wake up out of bed I'm lying in bed google google evening are not separated, a binary =):)

Comment from vinxstudio on 2009-05-22

2009-05-22T07:59:13Z

now it's time to shine Google Chrome! Goodbye Internet explorer and Mozilla Firefox. :)

Comment from Hank on 2009-05-22

2009-05-22T09:58:47Z

And still no AdBlock plugin. Boooooooo, Gooooogle!

Comment from Magnetic Cash Gifting on 2009-05-22

2009-05-22T12:27:27Z

I like it so far, especially the form autofill. Google contnues to make changes with a purpose.

Comment from shelly on 2009-05-22

2009-05-22T14:02:44Z

have you seen how having your new tab experience should look like with http://www.newtabking.com? Google, you probably have a little more to learn

--shelly

Comment from 16 Channel DVRs on 2009-05-22

2009-05-22T16:04:39Z

I have been a strong google supporter for some years now, every time they come out with a new toy I have to give it a try.

Comment from Dean on 2009-05-23

2009-05-23T17:07:42Z

It would be good if Chrome got more popular. A faster JS render engine will help the whole internet move forward technologically. And, make it that much easier for developers to create more robust and user friendly interfaces.

Rock on Google!

Comment from Ryan Moriarty on 2009-05-26

2009-05-26T19:40:25Z

Flotate.com is very javascript heavy site (with javascript animations as well) and is a great example of what is possible if chrome were to become everyone's main browser.

The difference in how the site runs on Chrome vs. Firefox is very significant. Something like this site could be the future of what the web if chrome were to take over.

http://flotate.com

-Ryan

Comment from Jay on 2009-06-27

2009-06-27T18:07:11Z

I love Chrome

Comment from Sarah on 2009-06-27

2009-06-27T18:08:46Z

I am waiting for the Google wave now. It is going to change the social netwrokingjust like how chrome did for browsers

Comment from hiphop on 2009-06-27

2009-06-27T20:15:39Z

Will people ever stop pushing version numbers on the web!
http://www.hiphopalemi.net/Sohbet.asp

Comment from MMO on 2009-07-05

2009-07-05T07:14:42Z

I Absolutely LOVE the new chrome. It's LIGHTNING fast, much faster than the even new Firefox 3.5 :)

Comment from yarismak on 2009-07-24

2009-07-24T16:16:11Z

Comment from Derek D on 2009-08-13

2009-08-13T15:16:36Z

Does Chrome even have a Print Preview?

Comment from hiphop on 2009-08-31

2009-08-31T19:51:30Z

thank you very good

Comment from Rent on 2009-09-20

2009-09-20T11:50:35Z

really stable but firefox is easier inchirieri auto

Comment from chanel on 2009-09-21

2009-09-21T07:30:55Z

Google Chrome was my favorite browser SIMPLY because it had that home tab page and had the top 9 sites arranged very neatly. Now the newest version looks VERY tacky and takes away from the functionality. Why Google would do this, I will never know. Now everything you love about Google products (simplicity, efficiency, etc) is being replaced by flashy tackiness and visual bulk (aka themes). To say I"m disappointed is an understatement. I might have to uninstall this software all together.

Comment from rentcar on 2009-09-28

2009-09-28T13:47:03Z

Google Chrome is my favorite :)

Comment from Araba Oyunları on 2009-09-28

2009-09-28T22:25:19Z

I dont like google chrome. For me always the mozilla. My favorite browser.

Comment from jucarii on 2009-10-31

2009-11-01T06:42:36Z

I also vote for google chrome ;)