14 DAY TRIAL // Google is experimenting with a new update notification for Chrome users on Android, as the company wants devices to always be running the latest version of the browser.
As spotted by ChromeStory, the Canary version of Google Chrome for Android now shows an update icon right in the browser window, thus letting users know a newer release is available for download.
When opening the settings menu, Google Chrome now shows a message that reads “Update Chrome. Newer version is available” in a red font.
Tapping this option points users to the Google Play Store where they can download the latest version of the browser, and the notification then goes away.
Likely to go live for everyone in Canary very soon
Right now, the only update prompt that you get on an Android device is from the Google Play store which sends a push notification whenever a new version of an application is available. The same applies to Google Chrome in both stable and Canary versions, but it could all change in a future update for the browser.
For the time being, however, it’s worth knowing that this option is only an experimental improvement that’s only available for select Canary users. I checked my phone running Chrome Canary for a similar update notification, but I’m not seeing any, so it appears to be just a limited test for now.
However, there’s no doubt that keeping users on the latest version of an application is a good thing for everyone, especially because they resolve not only bugs, but also potential security flaws. Google Chrome is currently the number one mobile browser and comes pre-installed on Android, so running an outdated version obviously exposes users, especially when browsing the web on untrusted websites.
It remains to be seen when the stable version of Chrome would get this new feature, but expect it to make its way to the Canary release for all users very soon.