The world’s most popular web browser is getting some exciting new features. As detailed in a recent blog post, Google has announced a slew of new features and improvements offered as part of the Google Chrome 89 Beta.
WebHID Supported by Default
Human Interface Devices (HIDs) are notoriously complex and mostly interact with a computer in a non-standardized manner. The category includes keyboards, mice, and game controllers. This makes it a challenge for the operating system and browser developers as they often don’t play well with your computer’s drivers.
WebHID aims to create a standardized approach to managing these HIDs. Rather than relying on system-level drivers, the WebHID API offers support to the device from within the browser. The program was previously in beta, but as of Chrome 89, it will be enabled by default.
If you are interested in how the proposed API operates, the W3C Community Group released a WebHID API Draft Community Group Report in January 2021 with technical specifications.
Web NFC Is Coming
Throughout 2020, people became increasingly used to contactless methods of physical interaction. QR codes have become integral to everyday life, and NFC enables us to use Google Pay, Apple Pay, and even contactless credit cards to pay for goods and services.
But Near Field Communication (NFC) is a versatile tool and can be useful in various applications. Previously, NFC support was limited to apps and system-level services on smartphones, but as of Chrome 89, Web NFC will be enabled by default so web apps can now access this hardware-based feature.
You don’t have to wait for Chrome to roll out this feature to take advantage of these wireless capabilities. There are plenty of ways to use NFC to your advantage already.
Desktop Sharing Gets Easier
You’re probably used to the small Share icon on your smartphone. Tap it, and a menu loads, offering you a selection of apps and contacts to share the web page or other content with. Desktop users have always had to rely on more manual methods to get the job done. Google has been working on the way to standardize this process for web users for a while now.
The company first offered a native sharing feature in Chrome for Android 61. Now, Chrome 89 Beta grants the same experience to Windows and Chrome OS desktop users. Clicking the Share icon now opens a native dialogue so you can share content with ease. Apps and software on Chrome OS can now register as a share target to be listed in the menu.
If you’re finding your Android Share menu to be a bit chaotic, you can pin apps and contacts to the Share menu for a more useful experience.
The Web Serial API Is Out of Beta
The WebHID API means that HIDs can communicate directly with the browser rather than utilizing system-level drivers. The Web Serial API offers a similar experience but for devices connected via a serial port.
These are commonplace in educational settings and various development and builder communities. However, they are also often older and poorly supported on most operating systems. Following a successful beta trial, the Web Serial API is now enabled by default.
How to Install the Chrome 89 Beta
To participate in the beta program, you’ll need to install an alternative version of the browser, Chrome Beta. This edition is updated weekly with the latest trial features and offers you a chance to give feedback on proposed changes.
Before opting into the beta edition, it’s important to note that this is in-development software and may not function as expected. If you need a reliable web browser for critical functions like work, it’s probably best not to install it.
Similarly, the beta program’s entire purpose is for Google to see how proposed changes impact the browser and your experience. As a result, you will be asked for feedback, and your interactions with the browser are more closely monitored. If you are already uncertain about Google’s data collection policies, it might be wise to give this a miss.
Google Chrome Development Continues
Google Chrome is the world’s most popular web browser, and it forms the basis of the company’s low-resource operating system, Chrome OS. The changes on offer as part of Chrome Beta 89 make the experience more integrated and less of a hassle when using a wide range of hardware.
Of course, Chrome isn’t your only choice. Its foundations come from the open-source Chromium project. If you’re after an alternative to Chrome, there are plenty of open-source web browsers you can try right now, too.