Google has released the Chrome 76 for Windows, Mac and Linux users. The new update brings improved Incognito mode that will prevent websites from checking private browsing as well as block flash by default.
Google will no longer allow websites to detect if a user is browsing a website in Chrome’s Incognito mode. There are some sites that put a soft paywall where the users need to log in to their accounts to read articles. From now, visitors can use Incognito mode to avoid it and read the contents of the website they want for free.
What actually happens is some websites count the number of free articles that users can read, and then ask for login. It is done using enabling cookies. But the Incognito Mode will eliminate this by not allowing websites to count anything.
“Sites can check for the availability of the FileSystem API and, if they receive an error message, determine that a private session is occurring and give the user a different experience,” said Barb Palser, Partner Development Manager, Google in a blog post.
“With the release of Chrome 76, the behavior of the FileSystem API will be modified to remedy this method of Incognito Mode detection. Chrome will likewise work to remedy any other current or future means of Incognito Mode detection.”
Also, Google has announced that it will by default block Flash plug-in completely by the end of 2020. If users want to switch back to ‘Ask first’ option, they can go to Settings >> Content >> Flash and go back to the previous version.
Google has also added an ‘Install’ shortcut button for Progressive Web Apps in Omnibox that can be navigated through ‘plus’ icon next to the star bookmarking. Clicking on this will show a small ‘Install’ button that will include PWA details and the app icon.
Apart from these major improvements, Chrome 76 update includes 43 security fixes and a few modifications for developers.
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