What's New in Google Chrome 137? (137 Early Stable Seems to be Rolling Out to Everyone!)

Summary

In this video, Brainch discusses the early rollout of Chrome version 137, which seems to be reaching a broader audience than usual. This version includes eight security fixes, with a high-severity flaw being addressed. A key feature in the update is AI-powered scam detection using Google’s Gemini Nano, which helps protect users from scams, especially tech support ones. Additional changes include customization options for managed profiles and a new Cast shortcut for easier device streaming. Brainch encourages viewers to check if they’ve received this update and shares tips for enhanced security.

Takeaways

• 😀 Early Stable Update: Google Chrome version 137's early stable update appears to be rolling out to all users, unlike usual practice where it's released just before the general public upgrade.
• 🔒 Security Fixes: Chrome version 137 includes 8 security fixes addressing vulnerabilities, including one high-severity 'use after free' flaw in compositing.
• 🔐 AI-Powered Scam Detection: The update integrates Gemini Nano AI to enhance scam detection, particularly for tech support scams, available with enhanced protection mode enabled.
• 📱 Casting Shortcut: Chrome 137 introduces a quick shortcut on the toolbar for casting to another device, making it easier to share your screen.
• 🔧 Enhanced Protection Mode: Users are encouraged to enable enhanced protection in Chrome’s settings to improve overall security, including better scam detection with Gemini Nano AI.
• 🔄 Windows 10 & 11 Support: The update has been received on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices, confirming that it’s widely rolling out across platforms.
• 🔍 Privacy Enhancements: Chrome 137 focuses heavily on privacy improvements, with many updates happening under the hood to enhance the browser's security and privacy features.
• 👨‍💼 Managed Profile Features: Chrome 137 introduces new toolbar and profile menu customizations to help users identify managed profiles, such as work or school accounts.
• 🔄 Version Check: To verify if your browser is up to date, users can go to the 'Help' menu and check for version 137.0.7151.40 or 137.0.7151.41.
• ⚠️ Security Changelog: The update's changelog includes eight vulnerabilities fixed, with one high severity issue that was patched along with several medium and low severity issues.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Chrome version 137 update?

The main focus of Chrome version 137 is on enhancing security and privacy, with several under-the-hood updates and new features such as scam detection and profile customizations.

Why does it seem like the early stable update for Chrome version 137 is rolling out to everyone?

It appears that the early stable update is rolling out to everyone due to the timing of its release, reports from users, and the inclusion of security fixes in the changelog, which is unusual for early stable releases.

How can users check if they have the latest version of Chrome 137?

Users can check if they have the latest version by going to the main menu, clicking 'Help', then 'About Google Chrome', where it will display the version number, 137.0.7151.40 or 137.0.7151.41 for the latest update.

What kind of security fixes have been included in Chrome version 137?

Chrome version 137 includes eight security fixes addressing vulnerabilities, one of which is a high-severity 'use after free' issue in compositing, a common exploit patched regularly in Chromium-based browsers.

What is Gemini Nano, and how does it enhance security in Chrome 137?

Gemini Nano is Google's on-device large language model (LLM) integrated into Chrome 137 to provide enhanced protection against scams. It uses AI to detect and block real-time threats, even those not previously encountered, particularly focusing on tech support scams.

How does the enhanced AI-powered scam detection work in Chrome 137?

The enhanced scam detection works by analyzing website content for scam triggers and using AI to detect suspicious behavior. This protection works in real-time and is available to users with enhanced protection enabled in Chrome’s safe browsing settings.

What should users do to enable enhanced protection in Chrome?

Users should go to 'Settings', then 'Privacy and Security', click 'Security', and enable 'Enhanced Protection' under the Safe Browsing section for better security and scam protection.

How will Chrome 137 help users identify if their profile is managed?

Chrome 137 introduces new toolbar and profile menu customizations that make it easier for users with managed profiles (like work or school accounts) to identify that their profile is managed.

What new feature in Chrome 137 allows users to cast content to other devices?

Chrome 137 introduces a new cast shortcut in the toolbar, allowing users to quickly cast content from Chrome to another device. This can be accessed via the main menu or directly from the customizable Chrome side panel.

How can users remove the cast shortcut from Chrome's toolbar?

To remove the cast shortcut from the toolbar, users can either right-click the icon and unpin it or go to the 'Customize Chrome' settings and turn off the toggle for the cast feature.