Just a few days ago Google released version 53 of its Chrome browser. The newest version of the browser is available for Mac, Windows and Linux. In addition to the new browser for your laptop and desktop computers, Google also released Chrome Beta for Android users (version 54).
The newest version of Google Chrome Beta has numerous new features, including one feature that many users have been wanting for a long time. You will be able to play background video even when you’ve switched screens or exited the app (this includes YouTube videos played on the Chrome browser).
Google Chrome Beta Plays Videos in the Background
There are quite a few new features in the beta version of the browser for Android. The most exciting, however, is the fact that the browser will continue playing your video and/or music once you’ve opened a new page or application. People who have used Chrome for their computers are used to being able to leave music playing while you perform other tasks. Android users have been asking to be able to do the same thing on their phones.
Using Google Chrome Beta for Android, your music or video will pause when you switch to a new application still. The difference is you will be given an option to resume the background playback through a media notification. Both audio and video will be heard while using other apps on your phone. This will work with the browser only though (not the YouTube app). Audio streams will continue playing without a pause when you switch screens.
You can currently play videos in the background with YouTube but you have to pay for YouTube Red. Many people believe that once the Chrome for Android is released and perfected there is a good chance that YouTube will get rid of its “Red” accounts.
Other Google Chrome Media Changes
Aside from changing its video playback ability, Chrome for Android will also allow direct entry into full screen for videos when the phone is turned sideways. According to Tech Times, Google also made the new version of the browser able to support creation of custom elements, support for V1 spec and a new BroadcastChannel API.
Revamped New Tab Page
Instead of your bookmarks and recent tabs shortcut when you open up a new tab you will see the Google logo, search bar and frequently viewed pages. You will now view your bookmarks and recently viewed pages through a drop-down menu on the upper right-hand corner. Additionally, Google added a recommendations section to Chrome Beta.
Before you install Chrome Beta for Android, keep in mind that the app is new. Google will still be making some changes to the browser to make it more user friendly. The company will also be fully testing all of its new features to be sure that it works correctly. Tech experts expect the stable version of the app to be available by the end of October.
Have you downloaded the new Google Chrome or Google Chrome Beta?
Photo: Flickr: Kārlis Dambrāns
I have downloaded the new version of Chrome Beta and am SO GLAD they’ve finally made video playback available when you have other apps open. The only thing I wished they kept was the “new tab” page.
Everything is so clean I totally love it.