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Free web browser from Google that allows users to test it before fully downloading Chrome

Free web browser from Google that allows users to test it before fully downloading Chrome

Vote: (385 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Google

Version: 120.0.6099.18

Works under: Windows

Also available for Mac

Vote:

Program license

(385 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Google

120.0.6099.18

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Mac

Pros

  • Looks and works just like the regular version of Chrome.
  • Allows you to try the latest improvements and new features early.
  • Includes stability and user experience improvements.
  • Provides opportunities to submit feedback about the latest changes.

Cons

  • Chrome Beta versions may have bugs or unexpected functionality issues.

Google Chrome Beta is a version of the famous Chrome web browser that lets users try out updates and new features before they're officially added in the stable release.

As new beta versions are released on a regular basis by Google, the specific updates you'll get the chance to try will depend on what's being worked on at the time you downloaded Google Chrome Beta. In the latest beta version, Google is focusing on making the browser more stable, secure and minimizing negative experiences while browsing the web.

In the current Google Chrome Beta, the developers made some changes to the how the browser interacts with third-party applications and extensions, most notably anti-virus software and accessibility tools. The browser should now run more smoothly and be less prone to crashes when used with software that modifies its behavior.

Google also wants to ensure that Chrome users have a good experience while browsing the web, which is why they're constantly refining features that limit the impact of abusive behaviors by web pages. One of the most recent updates deals with unwanted page redirects. These are often caused by iframes which redirect a user to another website, usually an ad landing page, without any interaction on their part. In many cases, this behavior is caused by rogue third-party ads embedded on a page.

Protections against this type of behavior by pages has already been included in previous stable releases, but has been improved in the beta. The browser should now block a greater number of unwanted redirect attempts. It will display a notification to the user when this happens, allowing them to proceed to the new page if the redirection was legitimate and wanted.

Besides some changes to the way the browser handles content and the possible inclusion of completely new features being tested, Google Chrome Beta works just like the regular stable release. You get the same familiar interface and fast browsing you're used to.

However, as with any other pre-release software version, there's a possibility that you may encounter bugs or something not working as intended. If this happens, you can submit feedback to Google detailing your experience. Doing so provides valuable information to the developers, as they can fix previously unnoticed bugs before the next stable release.

Pros

  • Looks and works just like the regular version of Chrome.
  • Allows you to try the latest improvements and new features early.
  • Includes stability and user experience improvements.
  • Provides opportunities to submit feedback about the latest changes.

Cons

  • Chrome Beta versions may have bugs or unexpected functionality issues.