The latest stable build for Google Chrome was dropped on Tuesday this week, bringing with it a few modest improvements for VR and AR experiences, additional security, and better compatibility with the various sensors found on modern devices.
The biggest addition to the browser is its support for the Generic Sensors API. This allows developers to make use of various sensors - such as accelerometers or gyroscopes - on their websites and web apps, thus bringing them closer in functionality to their native counterparts. Of course, the added functionality will be most useful on mobile devices but PCs could also take advantage of them, especially those with 2-in-1 form factors and which often sport a similar array of sensors as found on smartphones.
Another API being added to the latest version of the popular browser is the WebXR Device API. Virtual and augmented reality experiences suitable for both mobile and desktop headsets can be built for web applications using this API. It is currently available only as an Origin trial and requires developers to sign up before use.
Support for Progressive Web Apps has been included in Chrome 67, and these can be programmed to open automatically via Chrome on both PCs and Macs. PWAs will display in their own window with no tabs or address bar, allowing for the illusion of a seamless experience akin to a native app.
Rounding off the updates for this build are further mitigations against Meltdown and Spectre and the inclusion of BigInt by default, allowing for the handling of larger numbers which can then more easily support the use of certain datatypes such as high-accuracy timestamps.
You can see a summary of the new features added to this build from Google's Pete LePage in the video above.
Source: Google via VentureBeat
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