Google releases Chrome version 14

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT HOUSE Google has released the next version of its Chrome web browser to the stable channel.

The release follows last month's Beta channel release and is available to download now. The stable channel is where the firm releases its browser once it's happy that there are no major bugs or flaws.

Google said, "Today, we're happy to ship a new release to the Stable channel of Chrome, following up on last month's Beta channel release. This release contains two significant technologies which allow developers to create even more powerful web apps and games."

These two technologies are a web audio application programming interface (API) and a native client.

The web audio API allows developers to add "fancy audio effects" including room simulation and detailed controls like compression and equalisation.

The native client permits C and C++ code to be easily and securely executed inside the Chrome browser. Google said, "Currently, Native Client only supports applications listed in the Chrome Web Store, but we are working to remove this limitation as soon as possible."

The release also contains some changes for users of Apple's Mac OS X Lion operating system. Chrome will use Lion's overlay scrollbars and there is support for full-screen mode by pressing Crtl+Shift+F. Google said it has also fixed crash bugs and given the browser a bit of a face lift. µ