Google launches beta channel for Chrome for Android
Google has finally launched a beta channel for its own Android web browser, Google Chrome. The beta, now available in the Google Play Store, will be updated more frequently with the latest work-in-progress features for users to try out before they’re ready to go stable. You’ll have to note that betas are not promised to be perfect, so while this is a great way to test new features you might also encounter some bugs and rough edges.
Google says Chrome for Android beta now has all the same optimization and speed that its desktop browsers have, including improvements to the Octane performance benchmark. The changes will bring an improvement of about 25-30%. The update also includes native support for CSS Filters. Head here to get an idea of what’s now possible for developers to do in their websites and web apps.
It’s wise to keep both the stable and beta browsers installed if you’re planning on keeping up with the times. Chances are the betas will be just fine for most people — I haven’t had a problem rocking the beta channel on my desktop — but there’s always a degree of uncertainty that must be taken into consideration. You can grab the beta version of Chrome for Android — for both phones and tablets — in the Google Play Store.
[via Google]