Tag: Chrome

  • New Rumor Suggests Google Gemini Live for Chrome Desktop

    New Rumor Suggests Google Gemini Live for Chrome Desktop

    Google might be looking to add Gemini Live to the desktop version of the Chrome browser. This speculation began when a user named @Leopeva64 shared information on X about a new button in the tab strip, codenamed GLIC.

    New Features in Chrome

    When users click this button, it seems to open a new floating window that comes with its own interface and settings. This feature would allow users to manage various options, including microphone permissions. This could suggest that Gemini Live is set to get its own area within Chrome soon.

    Currently, Google has kept its voice assistant mainly on mobile devices. Gemini Live, which debuted earlier this year, lets users engage in natural conversations with the AI. It offers multiple voice options and can even operate in the background while a phone is locked.

    Rumor and Speculation

    The button was discovered in the Chromium Gerrit, which is a code repository associated with the open-source Chromium project. Since the initial find, there have been updates, such as a special system tray icon and the option for users to set their own keyboard shortcuts. However, it’s important to remember that this information is still based on speculation, with GLIC being theorized to stand for Gemini Live in Chrome, and its accuracy remains uncertain.

    Source: Link

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  • Google Chrome Launches On-Device AI Scam Detection for Privacy

    Google Chrome Launches On-Device AI Scam Detection for Privacy

    Google has introduced a fresh AI scam-detection tool in the newest Chrome Canary version. Named “Client Side Detection Brand and Intent for Scam Detection,” this feature employs a large language model located on your device to examine webpages on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

    On-Device Analysis

    This approach means that all processing happens directly on your computer, ensuring that your browsing information remains private and isn’t sent to external servers. It’s quite similar to the “scareware blocker” recently released by Microsoft Edge, but Chrome’s feature will be automatically activated when it officially rolls out.

    Rising Online Threats

    This security enhancement comes at a time when online dangers are increasing. Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report highlights that cybercriminals and even state actors launch over 600 million attacks each day. Earlier this year, Chrome began alerting users about suspicious downloads with a new full-page warning.

    Beyond Security Features

    However, Chrome’s AI capabilities extend beyond just providing security. For example, a new “Store reviews” function collects and summarizes ratings from sites like Trustpilot. To try out the new scam detection feature, users need to download the latest Canary version and enable the appropriate option in chrome://flags.

    Microsoft’s Concerns

    In other news, Microsoft reported that the Russian hacking group Nobelium managed to breach its corporate network and accessed the email accounts of top executives for approximately a month. This incident led Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to stress that security remains the company’s top priority.

    Source: Link

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  • US Justice Department Seeks Google Divestiture of Chrome, Android

    US Justice Department Seeks Google Divestiture of Chrome, Android

    The US Government submitted a final proposal on November 20, 2024, in the ongoing Google anti-monopoly case, which is being overseen by the US Justice Department. They are urging the district judge to compel Google to sell off Chrome and possibly Android to address the monopoly that Google holds in the search engine industry.

    Background of the Case

    This recent filing follows the district judge’s ruling on August 5, 2024, which confirmed that Google has indeed operated as a monopoly in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. This law is designed to prevent unfair monopolies and ensure that fair competition can thrive in the market.

    Proposed Actions

    Among the suggested measures, Google is required to divest the Chrome web browser, which currently reigns as the most widely used browser. Without Chrome steering users towards Google search by default, users could more easily select their preferred search engines. Furthermore, Google will not be permitted to set its other products to default to Google search, and a fund will be established to inform the public about this case and their options for search engines.

    Google is also required to provide access to its search engine data to third parties for a minimal fee, while offering its user and advertising data for free for ten years. This aims to create a fairer environment in the search engine market. Advertisers on Google will receive more comprehensive insights into ad performance, costs, and enhanced control over keyword matching. Moreover, Google is prohibited from compensating other corporations for preferential treatment of its search engine, such as the substantial payments made to Apple to ensure Google search is the default on iPhones.

    Future Implications

    If these measures are deemed insufficient, the proposal even includes the possibility of forcing Google to sell off Android, a significant source of user data and Google searches due to its vast user network.

    Federal anti-monopoly cases can span many years or even decades, often involving appeals, but the judge anticipates reaching a conclusion in 2025.

    Case No. 1:20-cv-03010-APM filing on 11/20/2024 at Court Listener, Case No. 1:20-cv-03010-APM filing on 08/05/2024 at Thomson Reuters.

    Source: Link,Link

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  • Chrome Ends Support for uBlock Origin and Other Popular Apps

    Chrome Ends Support for uBlock Origin and Other Popular Apps

    Users of uBlock Origin, a widely used ad blocker, will soon have to say goodbye to it. Google is updating the Chrome manifest from V2 to V3, effectively disabling uBlock Origin along with many other applications. The manifest serves as a technical guideline that controls the permissions and capabilities of browser extensions. With Manifest V3, the options available for extensions, particularly ad blockers, are significantly limited.

    Impact on Users

    The shutdown of uBlock Origin will impact nearly 40 million users. Currently, the Chrome Web Store is displaying a warning indicating that uBlock Origin may not be supported in the near future.

    It’s well-known that Google doesn’t favor Chrome users employing ad blockers to eliminate lucrative ads. However, the company can’t fully prohibit their use. Some Reddit users suggest that Google aims to restrict ad blockers by transitioning to Manifest V3. The tech giant defends this change by highlighting enhancements in security and privacy.

    Alternative Solutions

    Google has pointed out alternatives such as uBlock Origin Lite, which work with Manifest V3 but don’t offer the same effectiveness. This change appears to be unavoidable for Chrome users. Those who prefer to keep using uBlock Origin will need to switch to other browsers like Firefox or Brave.

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  • Introducing the Enhanced Browsing Experience with Chrome’s New Generative AI Features

    Introducing the Enhanced Browsing Experience with Chrome’s New Generative AI Features

    Google Chrome's latest release, M121, introduces three experimental generative AI features that aim to enhance the user experience. Available to Mac and Windows PC users in the U.S., these features showcase Google's commitment to incorporating artificial intelligence into its products.

    AI Tab Groups

    One of the new generative AI features introduced in Google Chrome is AI Tab Groups. This feature leverages AI technology to automatically organize tabs based on their content and relevance. With AI Tab Groups, users can easily manage and navigate through their open tabs, resulting in a more streamlined browsing experience.

    Smart Highlighting

    Another addition to Chrome's generative AI features is Smart Highlighting. This feature utilizes AI algorithms to analyze web pages and automatically highlight important information. By identifying key elements such as headings, subheadings, and relevant text, Smart Highlighting makes it easier for users to locate and extract the most pertinent details from a webpage.

    AI Suggested Actions

    The third generative AI feature introduced in Chrome's latest release is AI Suggested Actions. This feature aims to assist users by providing contextually relevant suggestions based on their browsing habits. For example, if a user frequently visits a particular website, Chrome may suggest adding it to their bookmarks or subscribing to its newsletter. By leveraging AI technology, Chrome can anticipate user needs and offer proactive suggestions to enhance their browsing experience.

    Pricing and Compatibility

    These generative AI features are available to users in the U.S. and can be accessed on both Mac and Windows PCs. As experimental features, they are currently free of charge and included in the latest release of Google Chrome (M121). Users can simply update their Chrome browser to access these AI-powered enhancements.

    Conclusion

    Google continues to push the boundaries of AI integration in its products, and the latest release of Google Chrome is a testament to this commitment. By introducing experimental generative AI features such as AI Tab Groups, Smart Highlighting, and AI Suggested Actions, Google aims to provide users with a more intuitive and efficient browsing experience. As AI technology advances, we can expect to see even more innovative features integrated into Google's suite of products and services.

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  • Google Chrome Enhances User Experience by Providing Easy Access to Tab RAM Consumption

    Google Chrome Enhances User Experience by Providing Easy Access to Tab RAM Consumption

    Where multitasking on browsers has become a norm, managing system resources effectively is crucial. Google Chrome, a web browser used by millions, has introduced a nifty feature that lets users keep tabs on the memory usage of individual tabs, quite literally. This new update, as reported by 9to5Google, is a step towards providing users with transparent information about how much system memory their open pages are consuming.

    Real-Time Memory Usage Data

    Previously, Chrome had launched a Memory Saver mode, which conserves system memory by limiting the resources used by inactive tabs. But this latest feature goes a step further by providing real-time memory usage data with a simple hover over a tab. This means you can now see which of your open websites are hogging system resources without the need to navigate through multiple settings.

    This convenience is particularly useful for users who work with numerous tabs open and need to keep their computers running smoothly. It’s a feature that speaks to the everyday user’s needs—no need for technical know-how to monitor your computer’s performance. Simple, on-the-fly, and informative, it can help you decide which tabs to close when your machine starts to lag.

    Accessing Memory and Energy Saver Modes

    To access the Memory and Energy Saver modes, users can go into the browser’s settings under the ‘Performance’ section. There’s also an option to keep certain important sites always active, ensuring that critical pages are not reloaded every time you click on them.

    The update is already available on the stable Chrome 119 channel and is expected to be accessible to all users soon. For those who can’t wait, there’s a way to enable it manually via Chrome’s experimental settings.

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