If you feel like you’re always prompted to update Chrome, you are not mistaken. Google is constantly releasing new updates to its web browser, usually to correct new security vulnerabilities as they are discovered. With this latest update, you really are sheep patches for 32 such errorsbut also one handful of interesting and useful new features–everything does update to Chrome 102 a no brainer.
While we see stand-alone security patches released when needed, Google tends to update Chrome like clockwork every four weeks. The latest version, Chrome 101launched on April 26, which makes minor UI tweaks and addition the ability to add notes to Chrome password management records. While 102 is not a feature-packed update, more is definitely happening end version 101.
Keyboard shortcut for tab control
After updating to Chrome 102, you’ll be able to move around your active tab using a keyboard shortcut without having to drag the tab with the cursor. To rearrange the tab, hold down Ctrl + Shift + Page Up or Page Down. If your keyboard does not have Page Up or Page Down keys, you will probably need to use Fn + Up or Down.
Open files via web apps
There are two new web app features with Chrome 102. The first is the ability for web apps to open files on your computer if the developer has programmed them to do so. For example, a web app might allow you to click on an item, which would then launch a file in your word processor.
Web apps should not be reloaded as often
When using web apps, it is common for the entire app to reload when you change pages. Chrome 102 should limit this behavior, making it easier for web apps to move between pages without having to update.
Learn more about new stores (in test)
Google is testing a new Chrome feature in version 102: When you visit a store’s website for the first time, a pop-up will ask if you want to learn more about the store – e.g. out of that store’s Google reviews. To see if this feature works for you, enable its flag in chrome: // flags / # page-info-about-this-site.
Control a presentation from a separate tab (demo)
This update is great for those of us who frequent present slide shows over video calls. Soon, everyone will have the ability to control slides without actually having the slideshow tab open. It allows you to open the video call tab and see your audience, instead of keeping your full attention on the presentation you probably know by heart. This feature is currently in demo mode, so if you want to experience it, check it out this interactive site to learn more.
Security patches for 32 vulnerabilities
The most important aspect of this update is that It corrects 32 security vulnerabilities that existed in previous versions. Of these, one is rated as “critical”, while eight are rated as “high”. While the rest are rated as “medium” and “low”.”And none of the bugs appear to have been exploited by hackers, it is important to protect your browser now that these vulnerabilities are publicly known.
Here are the nine critical and highly rated vulnerabilities that will be addressed with this update:
- Critical CVE-2022-1853: Use for free in indexed DB. Reported by Anonymous 2022-05-12
- High CVE-2022-1854: Use after free in ANGLE. Reported by SeongHwan Park (SeHwa) 2022-04-27
- High CVE-2022-1855: Use for free in Messages. Reported by Anonymous 2021-07-13
- High CVE-2022-1856: Use for free in user training. Reported by Nan Wang (@ eternalsakura13) and Guang Gong from 360 Alpha Lab on 2022-05-06
- High CVE-2022-1857: Insufficient Policy System API Policy Enforcement. Reported by Daniel Rhea on 2021-07-11
- High CVE-2022-1858: Out of Bounds Read in DevTools. Reported by EllisVlad on 2022-04-07
- High CVE-2022-1859: Use for free in Performance Manager. Reported by Guannan Wang (@ Keenan7310) from Tencent Security Xuanwu Lab on 2022-05-05
- High CVE-2022-1860: Use for Free in UI Foundations. Reported by @ginggilBesel on 2022-02-15
- High CVE-2022-1861: Use for Free in Sharing. Reported by Khalil Zhani 2022-04-16
For a complete list of Chrome 102s patches, check Google Chrome publishes blog posts. These patches apply to all Chromium-based browsers, including Edge, Brave, and Opera, then update any of these browsers if you use them.
How to update Chrome to version 102
To update Chrome, click on the three dots in the top right, hover over “Help” and then select “About Google Chrome”. Allow Chrome to check for a new update: If available, click “Restart”. When Chrome restarts, it should run version 102.
[How-To Geek]