Chrome 73 launches with hardware media key, PWAs and Dark Mode support on Mac

As expected, Google today released a Chrome 73 update for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. Highlights of this release include the ability to support hardware media keys, PWAs, dark background modes (Dark Mode) on the Mac platform and a host of other useful features. for developers. You can update to this latest version now by using Google Chrome's built-in update directly or manually download from google.com/chrom.

With over 1 billion users, Chrome is both a browser and a platform that web developers are particularly focused on, so all the slightest changes to Chrome get great attention. big from the community. In fact, with frequent additions and changes to Chrome, developers often have to try not only to master the current features, but also to be prepared with upcoming features. update as well as find ways to troubleshoot problems caused by deleted features. Chrome 73 this time is no exception when it comes with many notable big changes.

1. Google is preparing to launch a game console, ready to "battle" the game hardware market

New media features

If you are using a keyboard or headset with a multimedia playback key (play / pause, switch to the previous track, switch to the next track, etc.), Chrome will now support those keys as well. For example, if you press the pause key, the currently playing song in Chrome will also pause and the same for the rest of the cases. This feature is applicable even if Chrome is open on the main screen or operating in the background. In addition, for Chrome OS, you can pause and resume audio playback on both Chrome, Chrome apps and Android apps.

Chrome 73 will also add the ability to support Auto Picture-in-Picture for progressive web applications (Progressive Web Apps - PWAs) installed on the desktop. This feature is especially useful when switching between applications or tabs.

In addition, for PWAs already installed, Chrome now supports the ability to automatically play with sound on the desktop, just like on a mobile device. Google is probably making this change despite problems between autoplay and sound quality because users expect different experiences from apps than on the site.

1. Google launches Backstory - New network security tool for businesses

PWA and Dark Mode

Chrome 73 will support PWAs on macOS. These applications will be installed and behave like the original application (they do not display the address bar or tab). Google removed Chrome apps last year and focused on PWA since that time. Adding Mac support means that Chrome now supports PWA on all the most popular desktop and mobile device platforms Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android and iOS.

However, Google's work is not yet complete. In the future, the company plans to add many new web-based capabilities that allow developers to access file systems, wake lock, policy settings for businesses and bar redesigns. address to let users know that PWA can be installed.

Google advertised the PWA as follows:

"PWA progressive Web application is fast and very reliable, and has stable loading and operating capacity at the same speed, regardless of network connection status. Besides, PWA also provides Rich, engaging experience through modern web features, while allowing maximum utilization of the device's capabilities.

Users can install their PWA from Chrome's context menu, or can directly experience the installation by using the event beforeinstallprompt. After installation, the PWA will integrate with the operating system to function like a native application, meaning that users will be able to find and launch them from the same location as other applications. PWA runs in a separate window, they appear in the task switch, the icons of these applications can display error messages, and many other possibilities ".

If you're a developer, you should check out the standard PWA criteria that Chrome will use to evaluate. If your PWA is eligible, Chrome will trigger the beforeinstallprompt event and you can add it by prompt ().

For Macs, Chrome also supports Dark Mode on this operating system. Similar to the case of Windows. You can refer to how to enable Dark Mode in our article.

1. Google introduced Coral, the platform that supports building AI IoT hardware integration

Android and iOS

Chrome 73 for Android is being deployed gradually on Google Play, promising to improve stability and performance, along with the following two additions:

1. Offline content on Dino Page: It is easier to browse suggested articles offline.
2. Optimized pages save data and load faster.

Chrome 73 for iOS is now available on Apple App Store with the following outstanding changes:

1. If the forms are not filled in automatically, you can now click the icons above the keyboard and easily access your saved passwords, addresses, and credit card information.
2. Update the list of default search engines. You can choose your preferred search engine as the default by performing a search on that site in Chrome, then accessing Chrome settings to add a search engine.
3. If you are a website developer, you should now be able to view JavaScript dashboard notifications. Navigate to chrome: // inspect to enable this feature, then perform the tasks you want in another tab. Go back to chrome: // inspect to see the printed JavaScript dashboard notifications.

The final feature will be especially useful for developers with iOS devices.

To consult the full list of new changes on Chrome 73, you can access Chrome 73 milestone hotlist.

1. Chrome for Android owns a super useful desktop feature

According to the plan, Google released a new version for Chrome browser every 6 weeks or longer. Thus, if nothing changes, Chrome 74 will be released in late April. We will inform you as soon as this version is released.