Google has published the release of the web browser Chrome 145. At the same time, a stable release of the free project Chromium, which serves as the basis of Chrome, is available. The Chrome browser differs from Chromium in various aspects such as the use of Google logos, system for sending notifications in case of a crash, modules for playing copy-protected video content (DRM), automatic update installation system, constant inclusion of Sandbox isolation, supplying keys to the Google API and passing RLZ parameters during searches. For those who need more time to update, the Extended Stable branch is separately supported, followed by 8 weeks. The next release of Chrome 146 is scheduled for March 10.
- Added image format support JPEG XL, decoding of which uses the jxl-rs library with an implementation of JPEG-XL in the Rust language. JPEG XL support is currently disabled by default and requires activation of the “chrome://flags/#enable-jxl-image-format” parameter.
- The development of AI mode has continued, allowing users to interact with the AI agent from the address bar or from the page shown when opening a new tab. AI mode enables asking complex questions in natural language and receiving answers based on aggregating information from relevant pages on a given topic. Users can ask questions about the content of the page directly from the address bar. AI mode is implemented in Chrome 145 for Android and iOS platforms and is enabled by default for users in Canada, India, and New Zealand with Gemini chatbot (when using English).
- Added a mechanism
/Reports, release notes, official announcements.