Google Chrome is the most widely used web browser. It is also the first browser to get the latest Chromium feature updates.
Chrome 85 has been released by Google, and it is exactly what we expected. A better, faster browser to match our daily needs and requirements. This release focuses more on user experience, hence some distinguishable differences can be observed when interacting with the software.
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The update is said to have better speed performance for enhanced user experience, at a cost, of course. Moreover, some features have been added and modified to the developer tools for the convenience of the developers.
Apart from the visual changes, 20 security vulnerabilities have also been fixed, out of which 2 are deemed to be of high importance. After updating Google Chrome, the build number will change to 85.0.4183.83.
You can download the Chrome v85 from the download section below, or you can update the existing version of Chrome by clicking on Settings from the three dots in the top-right corner, expand help, and then click About Google Chrome. This will automatically update your browser to the latest available version.
Release Summary
- Complete release build: 85.0.4183.83
- Release date: Tuesday, August 26, 2020
- Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 (32-bit and 64-bit), Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android.
- Previous build: Chrome 84
- Bug fixes: 15. More information about security fixes can be found here.
Let’s go through some of the features introduced in Chrome 85.
Faster page loading
Google has promised its users a faster response from Chrome 85 with performance improvements of up to 10 percent from its earlier version. This is achieved through a programming technique known as “Profile Guided Optimization” or “Feedback Directed Optimization.”
In the Chromium blog, they say that they have tried and tested this browser build and a significant difference of speed can be observed. This technique is currently only being implemented on Windows and macOS.
However, as we were foretold with the release of Chrome 84, Google will be ending RAM optimization for Chrome to maximize its productivity, consuming more memory, as well as taking up the processor. So there is a trade-off in speed and power.
Here is more elaborate information on speed improvements:
Background tabs throttling
Tab throttling is a technique used to manage and limit the fire rate timer of the tabs running in the background. With this technique, any tabs running in the background that have not been interacted with in the last 5 minutes will automatically go to throttling mode. This would also mean that they wake up only one per minute, making room by vacating the system resources for other important tasks.
This feature will ensure that running a number of tabs simultaneously won’t take up your system’s resources unnecessarily, and optimize your overall performance by consuming less power.
Initially, this feature was meant for Chrome 85 but will be implemented in Chrome 86.
Features in developer tools
Google Chrome has built-in developer tools that have gotten a huge update with Chrome 85. Here are some significant changes made.
- Developers can now send data to users while having the code in progress. Finishing the script is not necessary for developers to run it. They can finish it while it runs at the same time.
- It now offers better styling options and support to edit JavaScript.
- Lighthouse is another automated tool used for improving web content. The Lighthouse panel has also been updated to Lighthouse 6, which has 3 new metrics to the report: Largest Contentful Paint, Cumulative Layout Shift, and Total Blocking Time.
- Additional warnings and prompts for irregularities in code, script, or image sizes.
Read here for more detailed information on the new developer tools.
Additional features
Legacy Browser Support was previously being handled by third-party applications, where users could run their web pages designed on older versions of the browsers, such as Internet Explorer. With Chrome 85, this feature is now integrated into it.
You can download the add-on for LBS here and proceed with the setup here. Please note that this feature is already built-in to the Microsoft Edge browser.
Another useful fix that has been made to Chrome 85 is that accidentally dropping files in Chrome tabs won’t open the file in the existing tab. This was very frustrating for a few as it would often take us away from the intended website. Instead, it will now automatically open the file in a new tab.
Chrome 85 for Android
Chrome 85 for Android has finally shifted to a 64-bit programming infrastructure. Most modern phones are ready to run 64-bit applications, of which Google is taking advantage of.
With the current phones having additional RAM and a high amount of resources, 64-bit architecture is the only way to go for maximum application output.
Chrome 85 for Android is only available for Android 10 and above for now.
Download Google Chrome 85
There are a few methods that can be used to update your Chrome browser to the latest version including:
- Update using Google update
- Use the download Chrome installer
- Using Ninite
- Download Chrome without using a browser
All these methods have been discussed on a separate page here:
All methods to download and run the latest Google Chrome
You can use any method of your choice to download, install, and run the latest Chrome browser. Otherwise, simply download it using the links given below:
Download: Google Chrome web installer
Download: Google Chrome offline installer
Download: Google Chrome MSI Installer [Enterprise Edition]
Download: Google Chrome for macOS
Download: Google Chrome Offline Installer for Linux
Download: Google Chrome for Android
Download: Google Chrome for iOS
Download: Google Chrome Portable
The next version of Chrome is scheduled to be released on October 6, 2020. The company is rumored to still hold Legacy Browser Support, while Microsoft will pull all previously used extensions from the market.
Furthermore, it is also said that Microsoft will play around with the display of the URL which can be seen at the top of the browser. It is said to make the full URL only visible when it is being interacted with, and display only the website name when browsing with the tab.
The developer tools are meant to be further expanded and optimized, giving the developers a vast variety of options and choices. More information about Chrome 86 can be read here.
With the information provided by Microsoft, it is certain that our browsers must be kept up to date, just as our Operating Systems. This ensures that the latest security patches are installed which can prevent external exploits and viruses. What do you think about Chrome 85? Will you continue to use it or switch to another browser?
