Google Chrome Archives

Winsage

January 30, 2026

Leaked Android desktop UI looks like a Windows rival

Google has unveiled a desktop-class version of Android, potentially named Aluminium OS, through a developer video showcasing a windowed interface designed for PCs with multitasking features. This new operating system could challenge Microsoft’s Windows 11, particularly in low-end laptop and cloud-centric segments. The video features an HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5 Chromebook running an internal build of Aluminium OS, which appears to be optimized for larger screens and retains familiar Android indicators. Lenovo has noted potential challenges for Android PCs, including limited desktop features and app compatibility issues. Google may integrate its Gemini technology into Aluminium OS, which features a taskbar with a centrally located Start button and redesigned mouse cursor. The operating system supports multitasking, allowing multiple Google Chrome windows in split-screen mode, and includes an Extensions button. Qualcomm is set to launch next-generation Android PCs later this year.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Windows may have ditched Android apps, but now it wants to sync with them

Microsoft has expanded its Cross-Device Resume feature on Windows 11 to include support for applications such as Spotify, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This feature, initially launched in May 2025, allows users to transition seamlessly between devices, particularly between smartphones and PCs, by connecting Android devices through the Link to Windows app. Users can access applications directly from their PC's toolbar and pick up where they left off. The feature requires both devices to be connected to the internet for optimal functionality.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Chrome will borrow Gemini’s cross-app powers in upcoming agentic upgrade

Google Chrome is set to introduce a significant upgrade with a feature called Gemini, which will enhance user experience through "Personal Intelligence." This feature will allow users to access information from various Google apps directly within the browser and perform tasks autonomously, such as clicking links and typing. Personal Intelligence has already been rolled out in mobile applications and will be integrated into Chrome to provide tailored responses by synthesizing context from multiple Google apps. Users will be able to draft emails in Gmail using information from web pages without switching windows. Personal Intelligence will be an opt-in feature, allowing users to control their data connections. The enhancements will initially be available on desktop versions of Chrome, with previews for Google AI Pro and Ultra users in the U.S. expected in the coming months.

Tech Optimizer

January 28, 2026

How to Unlock Google Chrome’s Built-in Malware Scanner

- Regularly update Chrome to include security patches. - Avoid installing unknown extensions and only download from reputable sources. - Review permissions carefully before granting access to extensions or websites. - Conduct periodic safety checks to identify potential threats. - Stay alert to unusual browser behavior, such as loading unfamiliar pages or displaying excessive ads.

Winsage

January 20, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows 11 ad accidentally promoted Google Chrome, then quietly edited after people noticed it

On December 23, 2025, Microsoft launched a YouTube advertisement for Windows 11 that mistakenly featured the Chrome icon on the taskbar. After coverage by Windows Latest, Microsoft quickly edited the ad to replace the Chrome icon with its Edge browser. The inclusion of Chrome was seen as an oversight, as Microsoft aims to promote Edge over Chrome and Bing. The original ad, which included Chrome, is still available in saved copies, but the current version on YouTube has removed the Chrome icon. Microsoft has not publicly acknowledged the mistake, and similar competitive tactics are also used by Google to promote Chrome.

Winsage

January 14, 2026

Microsoft Fixes 114 Windows Flaws in January 2026 Patch, One Actively Exploited

On Tuesday, Microsoft released its first security update for 2026, addressing 114 vulnerabilities, including eight classified as Critical and 106 as Important. The vulnerabilities include 58 related to privilege escalation, 22 concerning information disclosure, 21 linked to remote code execution, and five categorized as spoofing flaws. A notable vulnerability, CVE-2026-20805, involves information disclosure within the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) and has a CVSS score of 5.5. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added this flaw to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, requiring federal agencies to implement fixes by February 3, 2026. Additionally, Microsoft announced the expiration of three Windows Secure Boot certificates issued in 2011, effective June 2026, urging customers to transition to newer certificates to avoid disruptions. The update also removed vulnerable Agere Soft Modem drivers due to a local privilege escalation flaw (CVE-2023-31096) and addressed another critical privilege escalation flaw in Windows Virtualization-Based Security (CVE-2026-20876) with a CVSS score of 6.7. Other vendors, including Adobe, Amazon Web Services, and Cisco, have also released security patches for various vulnerabilities.

Winsage

January 6, 2026

Microsoft’s latest ad proves even its own marketing team won’t use Edge

Microsoft's recent advertisement for PC gaming featured Google Chrome pinned to the taskbar of a Windows computer, despite the company's promotion of its own browser, Microsoft Edge. The ad displayed Chrome prominently early in the video, which is notable given that nearly 95% of Steam gamers use Windows, with 70.83% having upgraded to Windows 11. Although Windows dominates the gaming sector, there is a growing interest in alternatives like Linux, which now supports about 90% of Windows games, though major titles remain unavailable due to anti-cheat systems. The inclusion of Chrome in the ad is seen as an anomaly, as promotional content typically avoids showcasing competitors. It is also noted that not all Microsoft employees exclusively use Microsoft Edge, suggesting a disconnect between the company's advertising and user behavior.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

If ChatGPT Atlas browser lands on Windows 11, Microsoft Edge already looks ready to “intercept” it with Edge/Bing upsell

Microsoft has a history of discouraging users from downloading Chrome through its Edge browser and Bing search engine. This practice may extend to OpenAI’s upcoming ChatGPT Atlas, which is designed as an agentic browser. Currently, searches for Google Chrome on Bing prompt users to continue using Edge, highlighting its features. If users attempt to download Chrome directly, they receive reminders of Edge's advantages. Microsoft is reportedly preparing to intercept the launch of ChatGPT Atlas on Windows, as indicated by experimental flags found in Edge Canary. These flags suggest that Edge will attempt to redirect users from ChatGPT Atlas, similar to its approach with Chrome. ChatGPT Atlas can autonomously navigate the web based on user prompts, posing a potential challenge to Edge's popularity. Microsoft is likely concerned about losing users to ChatGPT Atlas, which offers more advanced agentic functionalities than Edge's Copilot feature.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Frogblight Malware Targets Android Users With Fake Court and Aid Apps

A new Android-based Trojan named Frogblight is targeting mobile users in Turkiye to steal funds from bank accounts. Identified by Kaspersky's Securelist in August 2025, it spreads through smishing, where scammers send deceptive SMS messages about legal court cases or financial aid. These messages often include links to download malicious applications disguised as legitimate support tools. The malware, which can conceal itself and deactivate on simulated devices or within the U.S., requests extensive permissions to access SMS messages and device storage. Once installed, it opens a legitimate government website to appear credible and injects JavaScript to record keystrokes during banking logins. Recent versions have added keylogging, contact list theft, and private call log collection. The malware has evolved to disguise itself as the Google Chrome browser and other tools, and its source code is available on GitHub, indicating it may be marketed as malware-as-a-service. Kaspersky advises users to avoid downloading APK files from untrusted sources and to scrutinize app permission requests.

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

5 Essential Android Web Browsers That Can Replace Google Chrome

Chrome on Android has features that could enhance browsing, such as NotebookLM's ability to turn websites into AI podcasts, but it is resource-intensive and has limited customization options. It also has extensive data collection practices that may raise privacy concerns. Alternatives to Chrome include: - Firefox: An open-source browser emphasizing privacy and security, featuring Enhanced Tracking Protection, extension support, a robust incognito mode, and a built-in password manager. It allows customization and synchronization across devices. - Microsoft Edge: Integrates well with Microsoft services, includes Copilot AI for summarizing content, and supports extensions. It has features like Drop for secure sharing and alerts for compromised credentials. - Brave: Focuses on privacy and security with built-in ad and tracker blocking, an integrated VPN, and a password manager. It operates on the Chromium engine and includes a crypto wallet and a private AI assistant. - DuckDuckGo: A lightweight browser prioritizing user privacy with a clean interface, DuckDuckGo Search, and features like the Fire button for clearing data. It offers email alias creation and local firewall protection. - Vivaldi: Highly customizable, allowing users to personalize the interface extensively. It includes tracker and ad blocking, incognito mode, sync support, and a built-in notes tool, but has a longer update cycle. The selection of these browsers was based on their unique features, privacy credentials, and user feedback, ensuring they are actively developed and trustworthy.