HispanicBusiness

The newest version of Google's browser, Chrome 23, has a number of new features, including easier handling of website permissions and the promise of longer battery life.

Chrome 23 makes it easier for users to view and control website permissions such as for Javascript and pop-ups. All the user has to do is click on the page or lock icon next to the website's address in the address bar to see a list of permissions for that website.

The browser also has a so-called Do-Not-Track function. This requests websites not to follow visitors and not to collect information about them. However, the effectiveness of such requests depends on the compliance of the individual website.

Chrome 23 is also quicker and more economical to run than previous versions. This is because videos are played using the computer's graphics chip (GPU) rather than the CPU processor.

Because the GPU works more efficiently and uses less power than the CPU, the browser should noticeably improve the battery life of notebooks running Windows. Google tests found the battery lasted 25 per cent longer when GPU-accelerated video decoding was enabled.

Chrome users can download the new version by clicking on Update now in the About Chrome menu.