Chrome OS 56 is now available in the stable channel with some visual changes. The bottom shelf and system menu have received a Material redesign, while an updated version of the ChromeVox tool simplifies navigation for the visually impaired.
Just as Android picks up its Chrome 56 update, Google is pushing the same new version to iOS users. While not a major update, this new version does bring along a couple of useful features, including a handy QR code scanner.
Rolling out now to Mac, Windows, and Linux, Chrome 56 features a new page reload behavior that is better tuned for how the modern web works. Google notes 28% faster reloads across all platforms and more efficient resource use all around.
Chrome 56 is rolling out now to Mac, Windows, and Linux with a number of features and security fixes. Beginning as a staged rollout in the previous version, HTML5 by Default is now enabled for all users. Additionally, all sensitive HTTP sites will be marked as unsecure in the address bar.
Chrome 56 is currently in the beta channel and should hit stable in about a week. When released, it will bring support for the FLAC audio codec directly in the browser. This will provide a quick way to play those files, with the Mac being the biggest platform to benefit due to a lack of native support.
With Chrome 55 rolled out to Android and desktops, version 56 is now entering the beta channel. As announced in September, HTTP sites that handle sensitive information will now be marked as ‘Not Secure’ as part of a broader plan. Other additions include Web Bluetooth support and some new APIs that add functionality to mobile sites.
Many of Google’s services are served over HTTPS, with YouTube and Calendar being the latest to offer encryption by default. With the majority of the web now moving to this security standard, Chrome will begin explicitly labeling HTTP connections as non-secure…