Google Cast now in Chrome

Chrome extension no longer needed for Google Cast ...
Google Cast (aka Chromecast) no longer requires a Chrome extension since it is built directly into the Chrome browser.

Google Cast gets built into Chrome | Ars Technica:

Firefox overtakes MS IE & Edge

Browsers wars - and the winner is Chrome ...
Some interesting figures for global browser usage.

Firefox overtakes Microsoft’s IE and Edge browsers, but Chrome continues to dominate | TechCrunch:

Chrome has 1 billion+ users

Chrome Mobile joins and elite group of apps ...
Chrome Mobile joins Android, Maps, Search, YouTube and Google Play all of which have over 1 billion users. Chrome on desktop also has over 1 billion users!

Google says Chrome now has more than 1 billion users on mobile | TechCrunch:

Chrome app launcher ends

Google to get rid of the Chrome App Launcher ...
Whilst I have used the Chrome App Launcher for a while I tend to use the Apps Launcher extension in Chrome more often.

Google is removing the Chrome app launcher | The Verge:

Google Browser Safety

Google increases browser safety ...
Something to be aware of if this screen pops up!

Google will start warning web users about deceptive download buttons | The Verge:

Chrome ends XP support

Another nail in the Windows XP coffin ...
In April 2016 Google will end Chrome browser support for Windows XP. It had to come but at least they continued the support for 2 years after Microsoft had ceased support for the Operating System.

Chrome to end support for Windows XP, Vista, and OS X 10.8 on April 2016 | Ars Technica:

Chrome mutes individual tabs

A useful new Feature in Google Chrome ...
Auto playing adverts are a real pain when you have multiple tabs open but Chrome is making it easier to handle.

Chrome now lets you mute individual tabs | The Verge:

HTTP-HTTPS mixed content

A worth noting change to Chrome Browser ...
Seems that more and more websites are going https but it is a long process!

Chrome finally kills off the HTTP-HTTPS “mixed content” warning | Ars Technica:

Chrome Just Killed Flash Ads

Another nail in the coffin of Flash ...
Google Chrome tightens the screws on Flash!

Good News, Everyone! Chrome Just Killed Flash Ads | TechCrunch:

Chrome Stops Autoplaying

Chrome now prevents annoying Autoplay ads ... 
So you have got a number of tabs open in Chrome and all of a sudden an ad starts playing on one of those tabs. Next job is to find it and kill it! Now Google Chrome stops this ad autoplaying unless it is on the tab you have open.

Chrome Starts Telling Autoplaying Videos To STFU | TechCrunch:

Chrome on Windows XP

Google continues to support Chrome on Windows XP ...
Whilst Microsoft no longer supports Internet Explorer on Windows XP, Google has committed to continue support Chrome on Windows XP until the end of 2015. Mozilla Firefox is also still supported but their timeframe is unknown.

Google Will Still Support Chrome On Windows XP Until The End Of The Year | TechCrunch:

Google kills 200 extensions

Google gets serious about rogue Chrome extensions ...
It is excellent that Google is not only checking the Google Play Store but also the Chrome Web Store for rogue entries and removing them when necessary.

Google kills 200 ad-injecting Chrome extensions, says many are malware | Ars Technica:

Chrome Account Switcher

Now you can set up two accounts in Chrome ...
This makes life easier for multiple users on the same PC and also for those single users who have multiple Gmail accounts.

Google Brings The Account Switcher To The Stable Version Of Chrome | TechCrunch:

Sundar Pichai’s Ascension

Sundar is the man with a key decision to make ...
Does Android merge with Chrome OS or not? Now that both are under his control it is most definitely his decision to make! We may know the answer by the end of 2015!

Sundar Pichai’s Ascension At Google Could Herald New Platform Unification | TechCrunch:

Will Android & Chrome marry?

This marriage would have some serious implications ...
I am not as convinced as the author that this marriage will occur in 2015. If and when this marriage occurs it would effectively mean that Chromebooks would become Android tablets with keyboards, much like the ASUS Transformer and other similar products.

Will Android and Chrome marry? | ZDNet:

Chrome Bookmarks Extension

Not sure about this Google Chrome Extension ...
Had a play with this new Google Chrome Extension for Bookmarks but not convinced it is an improvement. I will persevere a little longer!

Google is revamping bookmarks in Chrome with a new extension | The Verge:

Google Adds “Okay Google”

Speak to Chrome and get a voice response ...
You can now ask your Google search question on Google Chrome and in many cases you will get a voice response answer.

Google Adds “Okay Google” Voice Search For All Chrome Users | TechCrunch:

Chrome Remote Desktop App

Accessing your desktop from your smartphone ...
Great idea but navigating Windows Explorer on a 5" inch smartphone screen is not easy as it sounds!

Google Launches Chrome Remote Desktop On Android, Allowing Mobile Access To Your PC | TechCrunch:

Google ships Chrome 33

Google makes Chrome even more secure ...
It is good to see that Google is making it even more difficult for extension to install themselves. Microsoft should follow suit on this one!

Update: Google ships Chrome 33, patches 28 bugs - Computerworld:

Asus Chromebox mini-desktop

Chromebooks and now Chromeboxes ...
This $200 Chromebox comes optionally with an Intel Celeron, Core i3 or Core i7 processor. Cloud connected it comes with Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Add your own screen, keyboard and mouse. An interesting unit!

Asus Chromebox mini-desktop hits the deck next month, supports 4K | News | TechRadar: