Tag: Google Chrome

Is that website legit? Chrome’s new feature will tell you

Have you ever hesitated to click a link because you are unsure if the website is trustworthy? Google Chrome’s latest feature, “Store Reviews,” aims to tackle this problem head-on.

This revolutionary tool, announced Monday, uses AI to swiftly analyse website authenticity. Chrome helps internet customers make safer choices by summarising evaluations from Trustpilot and ScamAdvisor.

With this new feature, Google is making the web safer so users can browse with confidence. When purchasing, researching, or browsing unknown websites, “Store Reviews” provides credible insights.

Read also: Chromebooks get a new button dedicated to Google’s AI

A smarter way to assess website trustworthiness

With online scams increasing, tools that enhance user security are more critical than ever. The “Store Reviews” feature integrates AI into Chrome’s page info bubble, accessible via the lock or information icon next to the URL.

When clicked, users will see an AI-generated summary of the website’s reputation, curated from multiple independent review platforms.

Andrew Kamau, Product Manager at Google Chrome, emphasised the user-friendly design: “With these new features, you can continue to rely on Chrome for a safer browsing experience.”

Instead of manually visiting review sites, users can now make informed decisions in seconds, saving time and reducing the risk of falling victim to scams.

This improvement is about trust and convenience. “Store Reviews” helps newcomers shop, subscribe, and information websites feel confident.

Strengthening security through AI

Beyond “Store Reviews,” Google is introducing additional AI-powered features to enhance safety further. These include improved real-time protection against malicious websites and downloads, addressing growing concerns over online threats. By integrating advanced AI capabilities, Chrome identifies risks and empowers users to take control of their online security.

This feature also illustrates the digital security movement from reactive to proactive. Chrome now prevents issues rather than waiting for them.

Kamau noted that the goal is to “keep users informed about potential risks while browsing.”

There are significant effects that follow. People can now quickly tell if a website is trustworthy without having to guess or do much research. Google is giving browser-based protection a new level of security by collecting information from reliable sources.

Read also: Cookies to Remain in Google Chrome Despite Privacy Changes

A step toward a safer web

As cyber threats become increasingly complex, innovations like Chrome’s “Store Reviews” offer hope for a more secure browsing experience. The feature aligns with Google’s mission to enhance user safety and addresses the growing demand for transparency and trust in online interactions.

In the following weeks, “Store Reviews” will launch globally to remind people that properly designed technology empowers them. Chrome’s latest functionality makes trust essential when shopping online or visiting unfamiliar sites.

With this upgrade, Google is enhancing its browser and rethinking web safety. With Chrome, you can check if a site is trustworthy.

December 3, 2024
Cookies to Remain in Google Chrome Despite Privacy Changes

As previously indicated, Google will not phase out third-party cookies in Chrome. The technology behemoth has postponed its intention to limit cookie use in its browser until 2024.

Many website owners and developers who depend on cookies for various purposes—such as delivering tailored content, tracking user behaviour, and allowing functionality in web apps—will welcome this decision.

Read also: Zoho joins with She Code Africa to Empower and Upskill Women Through Specialised Training on Zoho Creator

Exploring Google’s Privacy Sandbox Initiative

Under its Privacy Sandbox effort, Google first intended to phase out third-party cookies to lower cross-site tracking while allowing functionality for reasonable use cases. However, stakeholders, notably advertisers and publishers, claimed the changes would fundamentally affect their business models, and the online ecosystem has opposed the corporation.

In a blog post, Google said it needs additional time to create and test its new privacy-preserving technologies, including Topics API and Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC). These APIs are meant to offer focused advertising free from depending on personal user tracking.

Navigating Privacy Changes in the Digital World

The slow phasing-off of cookies allows developers and website owners to keep using cookies in their present form. This allows them more time to adjust to the forthcoming changes and investigate other options consistent with Google’s privacy objectives.

Still on the horizon, though, is the ultimate phasing off of third-party cookies. By assessing their cookie usage and guaranteeing compliance with privacy rules, including GDPR and CCPA, website owners and developers should use this extra time to prepare for the future.

Read also: Google Prepares Biggest Acquisition for Cloud Cybersecurity Startup

First-party data collecting and contextual advertising are two further tracking and personalising techniques they should investigate that give user privacy a top priority. Above all, they should keep up-to-date on Google’s Privacy Sandbox advancements and be ready to test the new APIs as they launch.

Although the delay in phasing out third-party cookies in Chrome temporarily relieves developers and website owners, it’s essential to understand that the change towards a more privacy-conscious web ecosystem is unavoidable.

Businesses may guarantee a seamless transition and keep their competitiveness over time by aggressively adjusting to these developments and prioritising user privacy. This inevitable should be a call to action to prepare for the future rather than a cause for anxiety.

July 24, 2024
Google Chrome Will Stop Supporting Windows 7 & 8.1

Tech giant Google’s web browser Chrome will cease to support computers using versions of windows older than Windows 10 from 15th January 2023.

Google has in the past two years been considering this action, with its support team announcing in October 2022 that the new version of the web browser, Chrome 110, is designed to run on Windows 10 or later.

This means computers operating on Windows 7 and 8.1 will no longer have access to Chrome. So, computer users who desire to keep using Google Chrome as they have always done will as a matter of necessity, update Windows. The new version is scheduled to be launched on 7th February this year.

The plan initially was for Google to make this move for Chrome in July 2021, but it was delayed first to January 2022.

According to Google, “After assessing the current situation, and based on feedback from our valued enterprise customers, Chrome is extending our support for Windows 7 until at least January 15, 2022. That’s a 6-month extension from our previously communicated date of July 15, 2021. We’ll continue to evaluate the conditions our enterprise customers are facing and communicate any additional changes in the future.”

Read also: Google Chrome now has memory and energy saving features

The tech giant later extended the date from 2021 to this year in consideration of businesses gradually transitioning from Windows older than Windows 10.

“In order to protect enterprises that are continuing their transition away from Windows 7, Chrome is extending support for Windows 7 through January 15, 2023, for critical security and stability updates,” Google said.

Google Begins Warning Prompts

Meanwhile, the recently released Google Chrome 108 is now displaying warning prompts about the upcoming end of support on Windows 7 and 8.1, stating that “To get future Google Chrome updates, you’ll need Windows 10 or later. This computer is using Windows 7.”

In other words, browsing the modern internet using an unsupported operating system and browser is risky, so companies don’t want to be held accountable for anything that happens.

Just like most programs whose updates won’t function on older operating systems, you can use the older versions of Chrome; you won’t get the newer things Google is working on. And you won’t have the latest security for your browser either. But don’t worry if you are comfortable with the current Google Chrome operations and not interested in the upgrades, enjoy. Just know that your online security is also at stake when using older versions that no longer receive security updates.

Chrome web browser has a market share of about a whopping 65%, clearly leading other browsers. Safari is in second place with approximately 18%, while Microsoft Edge is in third place 4.32%. Microsoft Edge uses the Chrome rendering engine with enhancements from Microsoft.

At present, Windows 7 is still operating on at least 10% of all Windows systems worldwide, while Windows 8.1 is just 2.7%, according to Statcounter GlobalStats.

Google Chrome will soon allow fingerprint authentication for incognito tabs

Why Windows 7 /8.1 PC Users Need To Update By 10th January 2023

Google Chrome’s plans come on the heels of Microsoft’s decision to end security updates for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Microsoft stated that updates for these outdated windows will end on 10th January 2023, which is right around the corner.

Microsoft said: “Change can be difficult, but we’re here to help you take the next steps. After January 10, 2023, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for Windows 8.1. You might be able to upgrade your Windows 8.1 device to a newer version of Windows, but we recommend moving to a new PC that can run Windows 11 as the best option.”

This is an opportunity for many PC users to quickly update their windows to Windows 10 or a later version, as 10th January is just five days away from Chrome’s expected date to stop supporting the outdated Windows versions.

January 10, 2023
Google Chrome now has memory and energy saving features

Storage and power consumption have caused many users to experience trouble browsing over the years. In order to bridge this gap, Google is introducing two new features that will make browsing easier.

Memory Saver and Energy Saver are Google’s two new performance settings that can be found in the Chrome browser.

According to Google, the new modes enable users to reduce the amount of memory that Chrome uses by as much as 30 percent and extend the battery life of their devices when the battery life is running low.

Read also: Google Topic Filters Make Searching Easier

How will the new Chrome mode work?

Memory Saver mode frees up memory that was previously being used by tabs that aren’t being used at the moment, which should result in a more dynamic browsing experience. In addition, you have the option of excluding significant websites from the Memory Saver’s context in order to ensure that they continue to operate at their full potential.

Energy Saver mode will maximize the amount of time that the device’s battery can last when a device that is running Chrome has less than 20 percent of its battery life left. This is accomplished by reducing the amount of background activity and visual effects (such as smooth scrolling) on websites that contain animations or videos. When you forget where you put your charger, every minute counts, even though it’s not clear how much longer the battery life could potentially be extended.

Chrome mode availability

Today, as part of the most recent desktop version of Chrome (m108), both of the new modes began operational to users, and they will be accessible globally for Windows, macOS and Chrome OS in the coming weeks. Chrome’s Memory Saver and Energy Saver features will be accessible through the browser’s settings panel (accessible via the three-dot menu). Both of these features can be enabled or disabled separately at your discretion.

Top 10 Nigerian Google Searches 2022

Related updates from Microsoft

The announcement made by Google comes just one day after Microsoft revealed that its Edge Browser was responsible for closing 1.38 billion tabs in the month of September alone. Microsoft claims that putting a tab to “sleep” in Edge will save approximately 83% of the memory that it would have normally occupied. A couple of years ago, the company launched its version of these features, which can put tabs to sleep automatically after five minutes of inactivity (or as little as 30 seconds), and then once again improved it with the release of Edge 100 earlier this year. A gaming mode is also included in Edge, and when it recognizes that you are using one personal computer to play a game, it will automatically adjust itself to use less CPU.

December 28, 2022
Google Chrome will soon allow fingerprint authentication for incognito tabs

Google Chrome for Android will soon get a helpful privacy feature that will make browsing the web while in Incognito mode even more covert. The browser now has a feature that lets users use their fingerprint as a key to lock and unlock the tabs they use for private surfing.

It might seem normal for iOS devices since FaceID can be used to protect the operating system and apps, but for Android smartphones, it’s a bit of a surprise.

When you exit the Chrome app on Android, it will now immediately lock any Incognito tabs you have open. If you attempt to visit those tabs again after relaunching the browser, you will get a gray screen with an option to “Unlock Incognito” at the bottom of the screen. To reopen the tabs, you would need to provide your fingerprint for verification. Don’t use fingerprint sensors? There is also the option to lock the tabs behind a PIN. Still, if other people have access to your phone, the first option is probably better.

Read also: Google releases a feature for Android called “Clear Calling”

How to Use Fingerprint Recognition to Lock Your Icognition Tabs

According to the information that 9to5Google has provided on this capability, They said that in the stable channel of Chrome 105, they discovered a new feature that allows them to lock incognito tabs and that can be unlocked using a fingerprint.

It should be evident that none of this takes place by itself. You must enable the feature in the app’s Privacy and Security settings, where you will find a new option titled “Lock Incognito tabs when you leave Chrome.” Once you have done this, the feature will be activated.

This is a really useful function when you have to give your phone to someone else and don’t want them to open any of your private tabs mistakenly.

Google offers a suite of widgets for the iPhone’s lock screen with iOS 16

When will Google Chrome Fingerprint for Incognito Tabs be available?

When will it be available? At the moment, there is no information on it. However, it can be affirmed that it will be coming to devices running android, and it is quite unlikely that it will arrive much later.

Since it is now accessible through Chrome 105’s stable channel, this indicates that it will be included in the stable version of the Chrome browser in a very short period of time.

September 21, 2022