With Google Chrome turning 15 this month, the leading web browser has been given a brand new look and upgraded productivity features that benefit Google Workspace users.
With this recent update, Chrome has introduced a range of features designed to enhance your browsing experience. New Chrome will be particularly great for businesses, even more so for Google Workspace users, especially on desktop.
The browser's compatibility with Google's suite of tools can potentially streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and improve online presence management.
Online is Easy is a Google Cloud Partner and Google Workspace Reseller, we set up systems and train people everyday to get the most out of their cloud based digital workspaces and various software subscriptions, with a focus on the treasure trove that is Google Workspace - so we love this Chrome update!
Let’s delve into what these updates mean for you and your business.
The Responsive Toolbar:
Google Chrome’s new responsive toolbar is a game changer for Google Workspace users. While it has always been responsive, it adjusts to the size of your browser window, ensuring that you can access your tools and extensions with ease, regardless of your device or screen size. This improvement not only enhances user experience but also boosts productivity, especially when using applications like Google Docs or Sheets.
Chrome’s icons have been refreshed with a focus on legibility and the new new colour palettes better complement your tabs and toolbar. These new themes and distinct colors can help you distinguish between profiles, like your work and personal accounts, at a glance.
Redesigned Chrome Web Store:
The Chrome Web Store has undergone a significant makeover. With its new user interface and organised extension categories, finding the right tools to complement Google Workspace applications is easier than ever. This revamp is not just about aesthetics; it’s about efficiency and helping you find what you need, when you need it.
Enhanced Safety Check:
Security is paramount in the digital world, and the new Chrome browser takes this seriously. In line with Google's overall Safety First approach, the revamped Safety Check tool now proactively checks your browser for security issues, alerting you to any potential risks. For Google Workspace users, this means an added layer of security for your data and communications.
SEO Implications:
These updates are not just about user experience and security; they also have significant implications for Search Engine Optimisation and digital marketing. The introduction of a new screen to select the default search engine could impact how users discover content online. This change means businesses might need to rethink their SEO strategies, considering potential shifts in search behaviours.
New Default Search Engine Selection Screen:
Particularly interesting for SEO experts and digital marketers like us, this feature is going to change the SEO game. With users now having more control over their default search engine, we may see shifts in search trends and behaviours. It’s a development that warrants attention and possibly an adjustment in SEO tactics.
“Pro Tip: Prioritise site speed and performance enhancements. With the Chrome update potentially offering faster load times, users will expect quick and seamless experiences across all webpages they visit. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify areas for improvement.”
Password Sharing in Password Manager:
The ability to share passwords within a Google Family Group enhances both convenience and security, especially for small businesses and teams using Google Workspace. It simplifies access to shared accounts while maintaining control over sensitive information.
Chrome: The Top Browser for Business.
Skip this section if tech history isn't your thing and head straight to the Conclusion below. We're diving into one of the reasons why, after 19 years, we switched from Microsoft Outlook in 2016 to G Suite (now called Google Workspace) and then becoming a Google Workspace Reseller in 2019 when we ditched the Microsoft Office suite completely.
Developed and maintained by Google, the Chromium Project provides the essential codebase for the Chrome browser, underpinning its functionality and innovation.
The open-source initiative not only shapes Chrome's unique capabilities but also influences the broader web browser landscape, with major players like Microsoft Edge, Opera, Amazon Silk, and Samsung Internet using its code.
In fact, in 2022 when Microsoft retired their dinosur browser, Internet Explorer (IE), they created a proprietary engine, EdgeHTML. This new Microsoft web browser faced ongoing challenges keeping pace with rapidly evolving web standards.
In the face of continuing compatibility issues with apps and other websites, they eventually dropped their Javascript engines and Microsoft-sourced code and adopted the Chromium engine in an effort to keep Microsoft Edge in line with the performance and compatibility standards set by Google Chrome.
This widespread adoption of Chromium underscores its significance in advancing web technology and application development globally.
Chrome stands out for businesses, especially those using Google Workspace, due to its seamless integration with Google's suite of services. This synergy enhances productivity and streamlines operations, making Chrome an ideal choice for businesses seeking efficient and cohesive digital workflows.
Conclusion:
The latest update to Google Chrome is a boon for small businesses using Google Workspace, offering not just improved productivity tools but also enhanced security features.
These updates are particularly valuable for small businesses looking to save time and secure their online activities. The integration of Chrome with Google Workspace streamlines day-to-day operations, allowing businesses to focus more on growth and less on managing their digital infrastructure.
Moreover, the update's positive effect on SEO is crucial, prompting businesses to stay updated and refine their online strategies to stay competitive. This combination of time-saving workflow management and robust security in Chrome is essential for small businesses navigating the digital landscape.
What should you do?
To make the most of these new features, we recommend updating your Google Chrome browser today. Explore the new Chrome Web Store for useful extensions, and consider how these changes might influence your SEO approach. If you’d like help, marketing your business online, check out our SEO Services.
As always, staying ahead in the digital space means adapting to new technologies, and this Chrome update is no exception.
If you’d like more insights and updates on how to leverage the digital world for your business success, try a free 15 min Discovery Call to discuss your situation with our certified Google Cloud Partner team.
Pro Tip:
When using Google Chrome Browser, you can install extentions from the Chrome Web Store to help keep you safe online, smooth your workflow, and increase productivity.
This link is for Extentions by Google. Online is Easy install some of these as standard practice when we setup new clients in Google Workspace.
Google - 25 years in Search
It’s not just Google Chrome that’s 25, it’s also the celebration of the most searched figures and moments in 25 years of Google Search. Straight from Google’s YouTube channle, here’s some of the world’s most iconic performances, to history-making breakthroughs, see the moments that have changed the world and inspired the next generation to come.
Explore more at https://yearinsearch.google/trends
12 Dec 2023 #YearinSearch
