Future Chrome release could remove the very worst ads on the internet
The Google Chrome version 76 update is just around the corner, likely landing by the end of this month. However, there’s a new feature in the works that could possibly land with Chrome version 77 or even a later release.
That new feature will block “heavy” ads. The feature itself is called “Heavy Ad Intervention.”
Editor’s Pick
When you’re browsing the web, you might come across an ad that uses up a lot of resources. This can cause the page your viewing to load slowly or even break the page entirely.
To help prevent this, a future version of Chrome will completely block ads of this type — specifically, advertisements that use more than 4MB of bandwidth or take up CPU resources for 60 seconds or more. Ads such as these will appear as empty boxes with text that says it was removed and a link to see more details on why.
According to Google, “heavy” ads make up less than one-tenth of one percent of all ads on the internet, so there’s a good chance you will never see this feature in action. However, it would be nice to know if it was there!
Stay tuned for our update on Chrome 76, which lands in a few weeks.
Previous Google Chrome updates
Improved password generator, quick password lookup
June 5, 2018: Google Chrome 75 (75.0.3770.67) brings a new feature that allows you to create stronger and more unique passwords. It is also easier to look up your stored passwords using the new keyboard tool. In addition to these new features, Chrome 75 for Android also has a number of stability and performance improvements.
Improved Data Saver feature and new “Dino page” features
March 12, 2019: Chrome users with Data Saver turned on will now see a Lite icon in the URL bar when a page has been optimized for lower data speeds. Also, when you are offline and the “Dino page” appears, instead of just being stuck playing the same endless runner over and over again you can read saved articles directly from the Dino screen.
FileReader API zero-day exploit fix
March 1, 2019: Google has released a Chrome update which patches a serious “use-after-free” flaw related to the FileReader API. This API allows websites and other web-based services to read files stored on a user’s computer. But the flaw lets hackers break out and execute potentially malicious code on a device.
10th-anniversary update
September 4, 2018: Google Chrome is celebrating its tenth birthday with a bunch of improvements. Chrome v69 includes an updated, cleaner design, password generation on more sites, and mobile payments via third-party payment apps.
Find saved passwords
April 17, 2018: Chrome 66 adds a new feature that lets Android users find all saved passwords under Settings > Passwords.
