Google Chrome is a decade old and the company celebrated with a new look, a revamped password manager, a slew of develop-centric changes, plenty of security enhancements, and an improved omnibox.
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Google rolled out Chrome 69 just in time for its 10th anniversary on September 2, bringing with it an updated interface that’s more aligned to the Material Design principles that powers other Google products. A recent post on Google’s company blog described the latest Chrome update as having “more rounded shapes, new icons, and a new color palette.” It also emphasized how menus, prompts, and the address bar were simplified to enhance the user’s browsing time.
One change that caught users’ attention was the browser’s password manager. While Chrome had previously offered to store user passwords, the new password manager will now be able to create strong passwords when required.
Let’s say you’re about to join a new site, Chrome can generate a new password for you. Simply click the “Use suggested password” button. The created password will include the conventional requirements of a capital letter, small letter, and a number. It can even include a symbol if necessary.
[Gif via Google]
You don’t even have to remember new passwords as Chrome will automatically save it to your vault. You will be able to check all your saved passwords on Chrome’s main toolbar and even have the option to export passwords as a CSV file.
There are several advantages to the enhancements that Google made to its password manager. First, the passwords generated are strong and will not be vulnerable to hacking. Next, the user not knowing their new password provides them some security from phishing attacks. After all, how can you reveal your password when you don’t know what it is or can’t remember it?
Chrome 69 promises improved auto filling capacities as well. The feature should work on more websites and make it easier for the tool to manage details like addresses, personal details, contact information, and payment options.
Some sectors have pointed out that Chrome’s password updates are similar to what tools like 1Password and LastPass provide. However, the updated features are not yet available on mobile. This can be a big turn-off for some users and could drive them to use other compatible password managers.
Users can update to Chrome 69 by utilizing the browser’s built-in updater. They can also download it from google.com/chrome, the Apple App Store and Google Play.