Google sends out a Chrome iOS beta using Apple's TestFlight
Google, the search engine giant and developer of a number of apps for Apple’s mobile platform, has sent out a beta update for its Chrome iOS Web browser using Apple’s TestFlight.
The beta can be downloaded for invitees (you can, at the minute, sign-up and download the betas for iOS at Google’s Chrome beta website), and once installed and running, users will notice one major difference — especially if you own an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus. This is because the new Chrome beta for iOS (version 47.0.2526.53) adds support for Apple’s 3D Touch display.
So, 3D Touch in Chrome for iOS allows users to do three things using the Home screen app icon: launch a voice search inside Chrome, open a new incognito tab, and open a new regular tab in the Web browser. There are also, as 9to5mac explains, additional features including new Bluetooth keyboard shorts.
It’s useful, for prospective beta users, that Google is calling on Apple’s TestFlight platform in order to deploy the application. Though it seems the two companies have come to some kind of deal in order to get around the app’s usual 2,000 user limit. Folks who do sign-up for the beta and install it using the TestFlight iOS app will be able to easily install subsequent updates for Chrome beta as and when they’re published. Apple acquired TestFlight some time ago, and launched an iOS application for the platform on the App Store last year.
On the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, 3D Touch is arguably the best new feature. As such, it’s great to see Chrome take advantage of the functionality, albeit in beta. Hopefully 3D Touch support will reach all of Chrome’s iOS user base soon.
You can download Chrome for iOS on the App Store, and it’s optimized for the iPhone/iPod touch and iPad. To sign-up for the Chrome beta, click this link.