Google pumps out new software for its web browser like clockwork; so often, in fact, you might tend to tune out new versions when they become available. Don’t skip Chrome 105, though — it patches a bunch of nasty security vulnerabilities, and adds a few new features to boot.
Google patches 24 new security vulnerabilities
Chrome 105 patches 24 security vulnerabilities found in previous versions of the browser, including 21 provided by third-party researchers. One of these vulnerabilities is rated as “Critical,” and eight are rated as “High” severity. Although these nine vulnerabilities are particularly important to patch, it’s important to note that none of them, nor any of the others, are zero-days. That means Google has not identified an exploit in the wild for any, so, theoretically, no one knows how to use these vulnerabilities against you. Yet.
Still, Google is now publicly acknowledging these flaws by publishing them as part of the patch, meaning bad actors will inevitably figure out how to exploit them. For that reason alone, it’s worth taking the time to update right away.
Check out the 22 flaws Google published to its blog, complete with the bounty awarded to researchers, when available. It’s unclear why the other two patches are not disclosed.
It’s not just security patches that makes Chrome 105 a worth an update, though. As reported by Joe Fedewa of How-To Geek, 105 sports a few new features you can try out right now.
Web apps have windows controls now
Throughout various updates, Chrome has made improvements to progressive web apps (PWAs), giving them more functionality, and making them feel more like full apps. Chrome 105 adds window controls for PWAs, giving developers an opportunity to add controls like close, minimise, and maximise, as well as various options throughout the menu bar.
Improvements to picture-in-picture in Chrome for Android
Android users have had picture-in-picture (or PiP) in Chrome already. When a video is playing, you exit the app to the Home Screen, and PiP activates. However, Chrome 105 now makes it easier to trigger PiP, and more obvious. You don’t need to intuitively know to leave a video to be able to take advantage of the feature.
Chomebooks see huge improvements to window management
If you’re a Chromebook user, Chrome 105 adds an awesome new window management solution. You can now tile your windows in a similar fashion to Windows 11, which lets you quickly place two windows side-by-side, give more room to one window over another, or have a window floating over the other.
This option is still in testing, but you can enable it from its flag at chrome://flags/#partial-split. After you do so, you’ll see tiling options when you hover your cursor over the window controls.
How to update Google Chrome
It’s possible your Chrome app will update itself, since Google has an auto-update feature in place. However, the company can take weeks to roll out new updates to users, leaving you vulnerable in the meantime. If you want this update and all its features now, you’ll need to update manually.
On desktop, click the three dots in the top-right corner of your browser window, then go to Help > About Google Chrome. Allow Chrome to search for a new update. When one is available, click Relaunch to install it.
On Android, you’ll find the new chrome update in the Play Store. Tap your profile, then go to Manage apps & device. Look for Chrome, then tap the Update button next to it. On ChromeOS, go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Check for updates.
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