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Chrome tabs will no longer show up in the app switcher by default

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Starting with Android 5.0 Lollipop, Chrome tabs could exist individually in the app switcher. While it made websites feel more like apps, it was an annoyance that made it hard to keep track of open tabs. Google is now reversing that decision (as spotted by Android Central) and making merged tab the new default starting in version 49 of Chrome.


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Chrome OS 49 provides an updated look at Material browser, updates audio player

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Chrome 49 was released earlier this month to browsers and Android. It added many new APIs and under-the-hood changes for developers, but was mostly lacking new user features. Version 49 for Chrome OS, on the other hand, introduces a Material Design audio player and provides an updated look at what the Material redesign of the browser will look like.


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Chrome 49 released to stable channel, smooth scrolling now enabled by default

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Chrome 49 is rolling out now to Mac, Windows, and Linux. The latest version of the browser contains the usual bug and security fixes, but this update adds more developer APIs than user facing features. However, the next version of Chrome should bring a new Material Design interface.


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Chrome 49 for Android will notify users of nearby smart beacons, Google announces IoT research pilot

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A part of Google’s Internet of Things approach involves placing low-energy Bluetooth beacons in the world that can communicate with smartphones. Starting with version 49, currently in beta, Chrome for Android will be able to read and interact with these beacons. Google has also announced a research pilot that provides gear to university researchers working on IoT.


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Chrome 49 Beta improves background sync, introduces new APIs, more

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While Chrome 50 is expected to bring Material Design by default to desktop browsers and Chrome OS, version 49 will introduce more low laying features for developers. Notably, improved background sync, better JavaScript performance, a new API for recording audio and video, and a host of other features…


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