Google has released Chrome 149.0.7827.155 for Windows, Mac, and Linux, a significant update that patches 28 security vulnerabilities and rolls out several productivity-focused features. The update is rolling out gradually over the coming days and weeks, and users are encouraged to restart their browser to apply the fixes.
Security Fixes and Rewards
This release addresses 28 security issues, five of which are rated critical. The critical vulnerabilities include use-after-free bugs in Core, DigitalCredentials, Accessibility, GPU, and WebMIDI, as well as a heap buffer overflow in GPU. These flaws could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, crash the browser, or gain unauthorized access to system resources. Google has also patched 22 high-severity issues covering use-after-free, heap buffer overflow, out-of-bounds read/write, race conditions, and insufficient validation in components such as Autofill, DevTools, Extensions, Network, Video, and GPU. One medium-severity issue in WebGL was also fixed. As is standard practice, Google is withholding detailed bug information until the majority of users are updated. External researchers contributing to the fixes received bug bounties, though specific amounts have not been disclosed.
New Productivity Features
Beyond security, Chrome 149 introduces several features designed to streamline browsing and enhance multitasking. These tools are rolling out gradually and may not be immediately available to all users.
Vertical Tabs
Users can now switch from the traditional horizontal tab bar to a vertical layout by right-clicking on a Chrome window and selecting "Show Tabs Vertically." This moves tabs to the left side of the browser, making it easier to read full page titles and manage tab groups, especially when many tabs are open. Vertical tabs are particularly useful for large screens and users who frequently juggle multiple projects.
Improved Reading Mode
Reading mode has been upgraded with a full-page interface. Users can right-click on any page and choose "Open in reading mode" to strip away clutter, ads, and navigation elements, leaving a clean, text-focused view. The mode also supports read-aloud functionality with adjustable voice, speed, and highlight style, making it ideal for consuming long-form articles, news stories, and PDFs.
Split View
Chrome now allows two pages to be viewed side-by-side within a single tab. To activate split view, drag another tab or link to the left or right edge of the browser window, or right-click a link and select "Open link in split view." This feature is designed for comparing products, watching videos while taking notes, or referencing documents without switching between windows.
PDF Annotations and Save to Drive
The built-in PDF viewer has been enhanced with annotation tools. Users can hand-draw signatures, highlight text, and add notes directly to PDF files without downloading third-party software. Annotations are saved within the PDF itself. Additionally, a new "Save to Google Drive" option sends PDFs to a dedicated "Saved from Chrome" folder, eliminating the need to download and re-upload files. This integration streamlines workflows for students, professionals, and anyone who frequently handles digital documents.
Performance and Usability Updates
Google continues to refine Chrome's performance. Memory Saver mode, which suspends inactive tabs, promises up to 40% less memory usage. Energy Saver reduces background activity when battery is low. Both features are enabled by default. Chrome also now syncs tab groups across devices, so users can pick up projects on different computers or phones. To enable sync, users sign into their Google account and activate the option in settings.
The update also includes fixes for earlier versions. Chrome 146.0.7680.177/178 addressed 21 security issues, including a known exploit for CVE-2026-5281 (a use-after-free in Dawn). Version 145.0.7632.109/110 brought split view, PDF annotations, and the save-to-Drive feature as part of a broader productivity push.
Privacy and Alternatives
While Chrome remains the dominant browser with roughly 68% global market share, its privacy practices continue to draw scrutiny. Google logs all browser activity—including keystrokes in the address bar—when users are signed into their Google account, and this data can be linked to other services. Incognito mode blocks third-party cookies but does not prevent Google from seeing user activity. For those seeking alternatives, Firefox and Brave block cross-site tracking by default, while Ungoogled Chromium removes Google integrations entirely. Edge, Opera, and Vivaldi offer Chromium-based experiences with additional features. A new category of AI browsers, such as ChatGPT Atlas and Comet, provides agentic assistants that can summarize content and automate tasks.
The End of uBlock Origin and Desktop News
Google is also moving forward with the phase-out of Manifest V2 extensions, which will end support for classic ad blockers like uBlock Origin in Chrome within weeks. Users who rely on such extensions are advised to switch to alternatives based on Manifest V3, such as uBlock Origin Lite. In a separate incident, Google accidentally tested making AI Mode the default in Search before retracting it as an error, hinting at future changes to the search experience. Additionally, a four-year-old Chromium security bug was inadvertently published before Google attempted to re-hide it; the bug remains unpatched, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining browser security.
Chrome's latest stable channel release underscores its dual focus on security and user experience. With 28 vulnerabilities fixed and new tools for managing tabs, reading, and annotating documents, the browser continues to evolve while maintaining its position as the world's most widely used web browser.
Source: TechSpot News