MANILA, Philippines – Google Chrome users may want to update their browsers, whether on their computers, tablets, or smartphones. The latest version, Google Chrome 32, has a number of worthwhile new features for users, depending on what format it’s on.

Formally announced on Tuesday, January 14, Chrome 32 for computers has 3 new main features. A new indicator has been introduced to browser tabs, letting you know which tabs are playing audio, which ones have a webcam active, and which ones are being cast to your TV.

This latest stable release has an addition that should be useful for security-conscious people: malware blocking. Google Chrome will now automatically block malware files you might download by accident. If you pick up a file with malware by downloading it through Chrome, the download bar will notify you and you can simply dismiss the notice without worrying about an infection.

Chrome 32 also comes with a beta version of a Supervised Users feature, available by visiting chrome.com/manage. If you have a family member who needs help browsing the web, you can build a supervised user account connected to your account and, from there, manage site permissions to keep children from visiting risky sites or less tech-savvy folks from going to known malware-laden areas of the web. This also allows the main user to review a supervised user’s browsing activity.

Chrome 32 also comes with stability improvements and – if you use Windows 8 – a new look for Chrome on Windows 8 “Metro” mode that updates the style of the browser’s user interface elements (such as scrollbars and controls) to match actual interface of the browser itself.

Chrome for Mobile

Mobile devices received some intriguing new features as well on the latest Chrome release, announced on January 15. The main draw for Android and iOS users will likely be a new data compression feature.

According to the Chrome for Mobile update announcement, “Chrome’s data compression and bandwidth management can reduce data usage by up to 50% while browsing the web on Chrome for Android and iOS.” This feature also enables safe browsing to protect against malicious webpages.

Data Compression and Bandwidth Management is enabled by going into settings, then Bandwidth Management, then Reduce Data Usage. In that section, you can toggle the option on or off and also monitor your bandwidth usage.

On Android, Chrome for Mobile will also receive a shortcuts feature. The feature lets users create shortcuts to websites they choose from the homescreen just by selecting “Add to Homescreen” on the toolbar menu.

On iOS, Chrome for Mobile will be getting Google Translate as part of the services. Users will be able to translate webpages in Chrome with one click by looking for the translation bar that shows up, and tapping “translate.”

The Chrome update for mobile is rolling out now, while the computer browser version is already available for download or by going into “About Google Chrome” on the menu button and updating it from there. – Rappler.com