Google Chrome came out of “beta” back in June, as it had become a stable enough product. But since Google is continuing to create new features for it, they still need a platform to be able to test, similarly to what they do with Chrome for desktops. So today, they introduced Chrome Beta, again, as a way to get new features in your hands and to fix issues much faster.
In the release notes, they mention that this build brings a “slew of updates and improvements” over the stable channel build that you are already running, however, they didn’t provide any specifics. They did go ahead and tell you what’s broken, though, more than likely to keep down the complaints.
Here is the full list of known bugs:
- Performance is sluggish, noticeably on Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S
- Frequent freeze on devices with specific versions of Qualcomm GPU driver
- Text autosizing may break formatting on some sites
- 164632 – Editing bookmark feature is broken
- 165244 – Text position handler jumps or disappears when moving
- 163439 – Clicking on links in yahoo.com not navigating on Nexus 7
- 166233 – Unable to submit comments on Facebook posts in desktop version of Facebook
- 165244 – Text handler jumps or disappears when moving
- 167351 – Youtube video controls are lost after returning from fullscreen video mode
- 162486 – iframe scrolling broken
To grab Chrome Beta, hit up the direct Play Link below. And keep in mind that a direct link is the only way you’ll find it, as they have removed it from search results in the Play Store.
Via: Google Chrome | Chrome Releases
But the beta doesn’t include the widgets. Ok on my N4, but I use the superb adjustable widget to launch Chrome on my N7.
Anyone else able to turn on sync under settings? Keeps hanging when I try and access it on my Note 2.
No problems here on my N4.
It was weird. I couldn’t start the syncing from settings but then worked from tab to sync with pother Chrome browsers.
I run the beta desktop browser so I guess why not!
A conscience is like a baby. It has to go to sleep before you can.
So far, I haven’t had ANY issues w/new beta.. Acts the same as last, albeit a tad faster.
I just wish that my desktop version of Chrome would stop crashing… It’s either the flash bug, or something else, happens at least once a day…
Once that’s done, then I’ll be a happy camper and be ready to try the beta version for tablets and phones.
Just curious: what version of Chrome are you running on your computer? This was a problem with the dev branch maybe two versions ago, but now it has been fixed. I am surprised to see all these issues get fixed and dev and still propagate to the other branches.
Right now I’m using chrome version 24.0.1312.52 beta-m. I’ve already disabled the appdata version of flash. Sometimes it will load pages just fine, other times it will just freeze and crash all of chrome and not just that one page. The weirdest part is when I close it down and come back to see it has crashed.
I know that I have it setup to return to pages I had up when I close it, so it stays as a running process.
Honestly I’m at a loss…
Maybe the internet gods hate you. Try buying a Prius to appease Al Gore; that’s all I got.
ROFL….either that or stick with my mobile stock browser 🙂
Hmm… update to dev branch. I’ve never had problems that bad with it. Or go to stable; that one is rock solid.
Chrome browser has been rock solid for me for quite some time. Maybe you missed an update? I’d try uninstalling it and getting a fresh install on your computer.
I’ve tried that actually, including wiping everything. So I got no clue 🙂
Chrome is da shi… , can’t believe google is really developing such a terrible browser.
I think the way to access bookmarks is a pain on the ass.This browser is a total failure.
They should have just continue the dev on the stock one and add the chrome functionality like bookmark sync instead
Still slow on the nexus 10. Sticking with ocean browser for now.
“Performance is sluggish, noticeably on Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S”
This is my issue with Chrome. I love the browser’s UI and tab syncing and features, but on my GNex, the stock browser is noticeably smoother and faster.
Yup the beta appears to be faster than the regular version of Chrome for Android but it’s still slower and more clunky to use than the stock browser.
I agree on all my previous devices, but it works fantastic on the Nexus 4. I really wish they would all work like it does with Chrome; I’m glad Google’s focussing on devices like the GNex when it comes to user interaction with Chrome.
FINALLY! Chrome 25 > Chrome 18. Go figure.
This seems much more snappy on my Nexus 7
Closing and switching tabs is horrendous, but otherwise, it’s excellent on the GNex.
Just add the Firefox feature to clear the browsing history and tabs on exit already
They already have incognito tabs if you want to hide your activity from others or yourself. No additional features are needed there, in my opinion.
I’m on like flies on shlt.
The frame stuff is a dealbreaker for me using this as my daily browser. Hopefully this means that they are actually going to finally make Chrome a good browser.
Yep definitely sluggish on GNex, at least on initial start.
On my old Gnex it was slow, got a new Gnex cause of a smashed screen and chrome is faster than the stock browser again, I think a year’s worth of using it causes the whole phone system to slow down, always had 7gb free.
I’d like Google to devise away of putting Flash back into android, via chrome would be nice, like my Desktop chrome browser.
Not Google’s call, Adobe abandoned Flash for mobile devices.
Can we get full screen option already?!
Seems faster for me than normal Chrome on my Nexus 4 (AOKP). So far, no problems. It sure did prompt me for a lot of permissions, though!!
crashes for me as soon as i open it
much better!
FINALLY. Kinda hilarious that Firefox has had a Beta in the Play Store and self-updating Nightly build for aeons now.