Google has recently released Chrome version 112, which comes with several new features and changes. One of the most significant changes is the end of support for Chrome Apps. Chrome Apps were downloadable from the Chrome Web Store and could be run directly in the browser. Google had announced its intention to stop supporting them at the beginning of 2020. But had extended their support to meet the needs of professional users. However, with the release of Chrome 112, Google has finally ended support for Chrome Apps, as they can no longer be downloaded or installed from the Chrome Web Store. Instead, Google now prefers Progressive Web Apps (PWA), which are more flexible and standardized.
Chrome 112: A New Era of Browsing with End of Chrome Apps and Graphic Overhaul
While Chrome Apps are no longer supported, Google has left a flag in its browser for businesses that still need access to them. Activating this flag will extend their support for the next two versions of the browser. Users on ChromeOS will benefit from a reprieve until at least January 2025.
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Another significant change in Chrome 112 is the introduction of a new interface, which uses the graphic codes of Material You. While the changes are minimal at this point, Google has integrated a flag that allows users to have a first overview of the upcoming changes. The new interface will arrive before the end of this year.
On iOS, users can now use Chrome to add websites to their smartphone’s home screen. A feature previously reserved for Safari, the native web browser of iOS. Additionally, users can now preview downloaded files directly in the browser and access a redesigned password manager for easier management of passwords in the browser.
Chrome also has a reading mode that allows users to reformat the content of web pages for more comfortable reading. With Chrome 112, Google is testing a second reading mode that reformats the active page in a separate panel displayed to the right of the active page. To use this feature, users need to activate the chrome://flags/#read-anything flag. And select Reading Mode from the drop-down menu displaying Reading List by default.
