The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact every corner of the world. Today’s announcement may be the most widespread impact to date, as it affects nearly 65% of all internet users worldwide. So what is Google up to that will affect so many people?
As of March 18, 2020, Google will cease all new Chrome and Chrome OS releases. It’s doing so in response to its adjusted work schedules due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This will also impact the release of Chrome 81, which was due to hit computers on March 17, 2020.
Don’t worry about security updates, though. Google has committed this slowdown will not affect its ability to update Chrome OS and the Chrome browser to keep it up to date on the security side.
There is no word on when this halt to new Chrome releases will be lifted, but chances are it’ll be at least several months.
This lack of updates comes at a rough time for Google, as there have been a few issues with Chrome, including the unpopular disabling ad-blocking extensions. Some say the lack of ad-blocking add-ons may push more users to Firefox, and this lack of updates for the next few months could chip more away from Chrome’s massive market share.
We’ll keep an eye on this developing story and bring you updates once Google gets back to its normal updates.
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