Tag Archives: Chrome 6
Review: Chrome Canary – More Than One Browser Instance
Posted on 25. Jul, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 
4 Comments
I had recently written a post at the Chromium-discuss Google Group about a recent problem I was having with Chrome instances.
The pace of Chrome’s development is mind blowing. So when I read the Chromium-dev Group news about Chrome Canary, I was happy that the team is allowing more instances of the browser to be run for those of us who have a keen interest in Chrome.
However, does Chrome really need to have a stable, beta, dev and now Canary release? Under normal browser conditions, it does not. But because the pace of releases are being sped up due to Chrome being implemented as an OS as well as an integral part of Google’s TV initiative, it makes sense.
The real purpose is to put a canary build out that can be frequently updated, and possibly rolled back. The Chromium team realizes that the more eyes that are on their early builds, the faster potential problems can be worked out, thus speeding up the development life cycle. Note that this build is currently only available for Windows users.
When I first installed Chrome Canary, I was surprised to see that I was given a choice for which search engine would be queried when I put a term in the omnibox. Actually since Yahoo how uses Bing for search results there’s really only two options here.
Looking at the versions of these two instances, it appears that for now the two are running the same build so there’s really nothing intriguing to report on about canary for the time being. Although canary will only be used to push the more risky features into the build, we’ll keep updating on any of the most interesting changes.
thechromesource Daily: Links for 7/23/10
Posted on 23. Jul, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 1 Comments
A new version of Chrome will be coming every six weeks from here on out.
Our pal Charbax has the inside scoop on Microsoft’s new ARM license.
This will make your day I swear; it’s about the LAPD’s concern over moving to Google Apps.
Is Google really all that threatening? CNN says “they’re no product killer”.
One of the many Wired blogs seems to realize that Chrome version 6 is right around the corner.
Inside Chrome 6: Syncing
Posted on 23. Jul, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 0 Comments
This article on syncing is part of a series of posts that discuss the new features and technology that will come with the official newest release of Chrome browser – Version 6.
When someone thinks about syncing and Google Chrome, it doesn’t come as a surprise that not much comes to mind. But one needs to realize that being able to sync is an important step towards cloud computing. Syncing information from various devices is going to be important going forward, as hardware becomes less of an important element of mobile computing. It should no longer be the device we are using, but the platform by which we use the web. Because of this syncing will become an important, and hopefully transparent element to using Chrome.
Google realizes this, and they have made being able to sync profile information a priority in Chrome so that one can interface their personal data with several devices. One element of this is bookmark sync, whereby one can save a bookmark with their Google Account from one computer and easily transfer it over to a Chrome browser on another device.
Along with this comes extension sync. Since Chrome debuted extensions to offer a rival to Firefox add-ins, the Official Chrome Extensions site has seen over five thousand ways to extend the browser get approved for use. The great thing about Chrome extensions is that they are built using simple web standards – HTML, CSS and JavaScript. While I test many different extensions on a regular basis, take a look at my post about the top non-bloat non-annoying extensions that are useful to life on the web.
If you like using auto-form fills, expect a nice little surprise when Chrome 6 goes stable. That’s because you’re going to have the ability to transfer your information for various forms over to other devices. A useful feature for sure.
One thing I’d like to mention about syncing is security. Many people are concerned about their personal data in the cloud. Google takes this seriously, so here’s hoping that having the ability to transfer information using your Google Account is secure. After the Chinese hacking attacks last year, Google has implemented SSL on services such as Gmail, and they do take privacy with a serious state of mind. They should, since we are relying on them to protect us.
Inside Chrome 6: PDF, Standard
Posted on 21. Jul, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 0 Comments
This article on PDFs is part of a series of posts that discuss the new features and technology that will come with the official newest release of Chrome browser – Version 6.
One element of the web that has always been extremly annoying is the prevalence of plug-ins – sure we’ve always just had to deal with them, not realizing that there may be a better solution. But think about the fact that instead of the neccessary plug-ins for a browser have to be downloaded and updated separately. Who has time for that?
Google continues their alliance with Adobe in Chrome 6 by integrating a PDF client right into the browser. What that means is that you no longer have to worry about not having the Adobe Reader pluging to open up PDF files, oftent the standard document format for sending official files. In fact, the integrated PDF reader is Google’s own, devised from Adobe’s own reference specifications.
Due to the security vulnerabilities exposed by the PDF format this year, it seems like a no-brainer to add this into the update stream with Chrome 6. Unlike other browsers, when there is a possible malicious problem with PDF files Chrome can be updated quickly with a fix that can prevent a problem from possibly spreading. Since PDF files are so ubiqutious, this bodes well for overall web security.
Also consider the impact on Google Docs with PDF itegration. Not only can you open up a PDF and fill it our right in the browser quickly, there is potential to use this feature with other Google services. Vector print support was added for better viewing in Gmail. Also, recently a new feature has launched whereby PDF files can be converted for editing in Docs, indeed a useful feature. Here’s hoping other useful features come from Google on this.
Inside Chrome 6: Video
Posted on 19. Jul, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 2 Comments
This article on video is part of a series of posts discussing the new features and technology that will come with the official newest release of Chrome browser – Version 6.
The rise of video on the internet is going to really change the web – although that has been said for years, it’s taking advances in broadband and browser technology for it to happen. We’re getting close, and the fact that Google TV is coming later this year with a version of Android and the Chrome browser on top, new technology in Chrome 6 will propel web-based video even further.
Chrome 6 will support the WebM standard, which runs on the recently opened-up video codec called VP8. WebM is supported by Mozilla, Opera and Google among other technology companies. The early beta of Firefox 4 is the first browser to support WebM.
Earlier this year, Google bought On2 Technologies, which owned the patent to VP8. Once the acquisition was made, several open source groups such as the Free Software Foundation asked Google to open up VP8, and they did. The On2 acquisition was big for the development of HTML5 video in newer generation browsers. With WebM, HTML5 video is run through an open standard, a process that in the past has been handled by Flash and a video technology called H.264, which is not open.
So what does this all mean? Improved quality of video as well as overall performance, no matter where you are. Plus, we’ll see more capability to mash-up, modify and generally edit videos in ways we probably have not yet even though of.
Need some proof? Consider this Chrome Experiment called “Destructive Video” by Sean Christmann. Although it uses the Ogg video codec instead (WebM just came out), you are able to break up a clip into pieces whilst the video is play. Also, check out the YouTube mobile site, which is HTML5-based and very snappy. Although the codec used here is H.264, the WebM format will be introduced as mobile devices get WebM, which Android is expected have implemented later on this year.
More Installable Webapps for Chrome Available
Posted on 16. Jul, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 5 Comments
Once you’ve taken the time to add in the apps that are packaged with Chrome 6/Chromium, you can also add others. These are usually built with the .crx extension file name.
Vlad Nastasiu has put on his web site a good array of these – Facebook, Youtube and Google Reader to name a few. DownloadSquad also has an extensive listing. You can follow the Chromium Apps discussion group for more ongoing information as well.
1. Make sure that you have enabled apps in Chromium/Chrome 6.
2. Download the .crx file to your computer.
3. With the enabled-apps shortcut of Chrome open, you can open up the .crx file.
You’ll get a screen like this.
Confirm, and you’re good to go! Want to know how to make your own apps in Chrome? Check out Google’s Guide to Installable Web Apps.
How to Use Chrome Webapps Right Now
Posted on 16. Jul, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 5 Comments
Here are screen-by-screen steps on how to add the Calendar, Docs and Gmail apps to your Chrome browser. This is what this will look like when you are done.
Your tabs for the three will look like this.
Additionally, when you open a new tab, you’ll get a window that looks like this.
1. Download Chrome 6.
Firstly, you need to get the Chrome 6 development build for this to work. Here is a direct link to download it.
2. Add a Command Line Flag to your Chrome Shortcut.
This is easy, just go to your desktop and right click on your Chrome icon. Select Properties. In the Properties window, you’ll need to add a space and then the flag “–enable-apps” at the end of the Target location.
Hit OK.
3. Go into Developer Mode.
Open your shortcut of Chrome (remember, you have to use this one in order for this to work in the future). Navigate in the omnibar to chrome://extensions
Click on Developer Mode over on the far right.
4. Load the Extensions
A developer toolbar will appear; click on Load unpacked extension.
You’ll be asked to select the path of the extensions.
Windows Vista/7
\Users\[profile name]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\[version]\Resources\
Windows XP
\Documents & Settings\[profile name]\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\Application\[version]\Resources\
You’ll need to open these three up using the Load unpacked extensions button. You’ll then see them in your list of extensions.
Now you have Chrome web apps in your browser, enjoy!thechromesource Daily: Links for 7/15/10
Posted on 15. Jul, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 1 Comments
Guidelines for webapps has been published by Google, called “Thinking in Web Apps”, as discovered by InformationWeek.
The Official Google Blog has posted a list of popular extensions used by Googlers themselves.
Google’s Dashboard – which allows you to adjust settings from one central location, is being integrated into Chrome’s code.
The dev build of Chrome was updated today to 6.0.466.0 for Windows and Linux.
In a push for cloud computing, ZDNet’s Christopher Dawson declares the “desktop dead”.
Old School’s Not Cool
Posted on 13. Jul, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 1 Comments
This shows how often I restart my browser. I was confronted with this window trying to see what dev version I’m using.When you’re out of date, you’ll now see a exclamation point next to “About Google Chrome” in Tools. Although I know that there was an update last week, apparently they really want me to upgrade.
thechromesource Daily: Links for 7/6/10
Posted on 06. Jul, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 1 Comments
Chrome 6 will support WebM (hey, Opera already does), a better bookmark sync and some other UI changes.
Massive increases are being seen in the need for workers in geolocation, cloud services, HTML5 and mobile applications.
DownloadSquad’s Lee Matthews has found even more web applications which to play with in Chrome.
CNET reports that Google is working on orientation support for Chrome, giving it a leg up in webapps versus regular applications.
RWW’s Sarah Perez says orientation support shows how serious Google is about competing within the gaming market.
Chrome 6 Versus Safari 5
Posted on 16. Jun, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 20 Comments
Safari 5 just came out last week, and Chrome 6 is still in development. Which one is faster?
Browser Tests: Which of the Current Generation is Best?
Posted on 29. May, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey. 3 Comments
Here is a video that pits Chrome 5, Firefox 4, Internet Explorer 9, Opera 10.5 and Safari 4 against each other. Using a good array of speed tests, including one for JavaScript, the SunSpider test and the Peacekeeper Benchmark, you might be surprised to see some of the formally fastest browsers on the market are starting to fall behind the pack.
It’s clear that Google is directing a lot of resources into the development of Chrome. Witness the fact that Chrome 6 in now in the development channel, and the browser was first introduced in 2008. It appears that major financial and development time is what is going to win the title of best browser, so it doesn’t come as a shock that IE9 is pulling itself up by its bootstraps and start moving up the rankings.
An interesting point: some seem concerned about the fact that Android and Chrome OS are being developed concurrently, and that the logic behind doing something of this nature is faulty. But the reality is that Chrome is not going anywhere. Massive resources are being used to develop this platform, and along with the fact that Google TV will use Chrome as well, I don’t see Android and Chrome merging anytime soon. Plus, perhaps with Chrome OS Google will be better able to handle the fragmentation issues that have plagued Android via its auto-update technology.
What do you think? Should Android and Chrome be merged? Or does it make sense for the two to be separate, one used for phones and one for computing?
