After just releasing a new version of Chrome for the desktop, Google is out today with an updated version of Chrome for iPhone and iPad. Version 42 includes a new widget in the Today section of Notification Center, support for 1Password and LastPass and other app extensions, plus more.
Chrome’s brand new Today view widget in Notification Center puts Voice Search a swipe away from anywhere on your iPhone or iPad. Once you add the Chrome widget, you can swipe down and quickly open a new tab in the Chrome browser or open Voice Search to have a Siri-like experience within Google’s browser. If you have a URL copied to your clipboard from any app like Safari or Twitter, you’ll notice this in the widget as well; tapping the copied URL from the widget will open it directly in Chrome from Notification Center.
Chrome also includes support for app extensions like 1Password and LastPass for filling in your passwords from the apps that securely manage them without leaving the browser. Unlike Safari, which features the share/action button on the bottom toolbar, Chrome includes its share/action button in the top right corner of the window under the three-dot icon. If you have compatible apps installed, you’ll notice the extension sheet next to copy and print options alongside other options like AirDrop and share options.
In addition to including better extensibility, Chrome 42 includes a unique pull-to-refresh view. Dragging down on any page now exposes a custom user interface for refreshing the current page. Optionally, you can drag down and swipe to the left to open a fresh tab or down and swipe right to close the current tab. The new gesture is especially useful on larger displays once you get the hang of it.
Chrome 42 for iPhone and iPad is available for free on the App Store.
