Google releases Chrome 70, fixing controversial login system: Details here
After drawing flak from privacy advocates, Google released Chrome 70, fixing the controversial browser login system of the previous version. The fix, as The Verge describes, provides an added option in Settings to control the behavior of the browser when a Google service, like Docs, Gmail or Photos, is logged in. The update even includes some new features and UI improvements. Here's more.
Chrome 69 logged in users automatically
Following the release of Chrome 69, users noticed that the browser used to sign them in whenever they logged into Gmail or any other Google-associated service. Google said the feature was to simplify logins on shared devices and didn't store any user data (browsing history, passwords) using the browser's 'Sync' option. It said the option had to be specifically enabled for sync to occur.
Fix in Chrome 70's Settings
However, owing to the privacy concerns due to the feature, Google has provided a fix, which comes in the form of an option called "Allow Chrome sign-in". The option, available in Chrome 70's Settings, can be turned off, allowing users to prevent automatic browser logins. However, it is worth noting this is an opt-out option and not opt-in.
Small but important change in user interface
Along with the new setting, Google is also introducing some UI changes to better reveal whether or not data is being synced. For this, users will see "Not syncing" or "Syncing to" when they're signed into the browser.
Other important change in Chrome 70
Apart from the login-related changes, Chrome 70 is also bringing support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on Windows. These apps, as the name suggests, would be dedicated Chrome-backed windows for services like Spotify. They would look like a native Windows app, without an address bar or other browser-related clutter, and could be launched directly from the desktop or start menu.
How to update to Chrome 70?
If you're on Chrome 69 or an older version, your browser will prompt you to download the latest version in the coming days. However, if you need it right away, navigate to the "About Chrome" section in Settings to check and force install the update.
