Google’s Chrome browser is getting a malicious redirect blocking feature in the beta channel as of version 64, among other new features. This new functionality will finally allow users to browse viral content websites, personal cloud hosting websites, and other such content without having to worry that their device will suddenly start shaking and tell them it has a virus, or be redirected to the Play Store for an app that they’ve never heard of with no explanation. The feature works across all Chrome platforms, so whether you’re on a Windows laptop, a Linux desktop, or an Android phone, the new feature will protect you from malicious redirects in third-party content on pages. From version 64 onward, the only time a Chrome user will be redirected is when they’ve directly interacted with page content, or when the redirect is ordered by the page itself, rather than third-party content embedded in it.
On top of blocking annoying and potentially dangerous third-party redirect attempts, the update brings a few more new features that positively change the browsing experience. Those who often find themselves lured into clicking fake download buttons will find that they can no longer whisk their browser away to a malicious page, in a similar vein to the redirect change. Google is working to stop abusive experiences that stem from false controls, like close buttons that bring more pop-ups or play buttons that start unwanted downloads. Users can now tap on the lock icon or the info button to bring up the option to mute the entire site permanently. Native notifications launched on MacOS back in version 59 and in this version are now live on Linux. Windows users will have to wait a bit longer, but the feature is being worked on. What Windows users can enjoy now, however, is HDR video playback in-browser, so long as they’re on the Fall Creators’ Update, and have a compatible display and graphics card. Chrome OS rounds out the user-facing updates with a new split window mode for multitasking on tablet mode. The Android-like screenshot feature that’s been spotted multiple times in the codebase will also go live for all Chrome OS users as of version 64.
On the developer side of things, Google is introducing a resize observer feature that can track the position and size of page elements, and provide apps with finer controls based on them. Support for the import.meta property in JavaScript is also on board in this version. Chrome OS 64 is set to be a massive update across all platforms, bringing out a vast swath of new features that will fix a great number of pain points for users across the spectrum, from power users and workers to casual owners that use their Chromebooks for Facebook and not much else.