WebProNews

Tag: Chrome

  • How Chrome Digital Signage Drove Traffic to The Statue of Liberty Website

    How Chrome Digital Signage Drove Traffic to The Statue of Liberty Website

    I ran across a story on Google’s Connected Workspaces blog how digital signage powered by Google Chrome was used to drive website traffic to the Statue of Liberty and to make the store underneath it more engaging.

    Evelyn Hill, the gift shop under the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island, wanted to emulate a photo contest they saw promoting a remote national park in Florida called Dry Tortugas. They were told to contact BlackDogscreen-shot-2016-12-13-at-5-35-36-pm Advertising based in Miami, Florida, which created a cool kiosk in their visitor center showing photos where people were vying to win a $500 prize. The Evelyn Hill gift shop wanted that too.

    “We took on the challenge of transforming Evelyn Hill’s gift shop and restaurant, the Crown Cafe, into a visitor destination, and driving traffic to thestatueofliberty.com,” says John W. Penney, creative director and CEO of BlackDog Advertising.

    Evelyn Hill was interested in replicating the photo contest. “This time, we’d be creating a live photo feed so visitors could see images as they were uploaded” Penney said. “My company had a great experience using Chrome devices before, so we decided to use Chrome digital signage devices because they are easy to deploy, cost effective and make content management a breeze.”

    screen-shot-2016-12-13-at-5-34-42-pm

    Penney says that “the photo contest has driven incredible engagement” with over 21,700 photo votes cast, both in person and online. The website saw a 270% increase in traffic but more importantly, the kiosk itself has become a very engaging part of the visitor experience. Because of this the store is looking at ways to expand the photo contest to more locations on Ellis. Best of all, it’s a very inexpensive way to increase website traffic and also make the visit to their Ellis Island store more fun.

    How To Do It For Your Business

    To drive high engagement, we created live-updating digital signs to draw visitors into the Crown Cafe and engage them in the photo contest. Monitors are powered by Google Chromebits that are remotely operated using Chrome Device Management, so the cafe can easily display contest results. Meanwhile, visitors can use the #PictureLiberty hashtag to share their photos on the Statue of Liberty website and encourage their friends to vote for their submission.

    The flexibility of Chrome lets us optimize signage solutions. With Chrome Device Management we were able to easily install WooBox, which collected contest photos from social media, on all of our managed devices (in this case, Chromebits). We don’t want to deliver cookie-cutter solutions to our customers, and Chrome enables us to build solutions that stand out from the crowd.

    Using Chrome also helped keep the campaign cost effective. Since Chrome Sign Builder is free to use and the photo content is user-generated, hardware was the only cost. Each of Liberty Island’s four units cost just $109, including access to Chrome Device Management, which allowed us to easily install apps on the Chromebits. Achieving this low cost would have been impossible with any other digital signage solution.

    Read more of the post by BlackDog Advertising’s John W. Penney on Google’s Connected Workspaces blog.

  • Google Celebrates 50th Chrome Release With Stat-Heavy Infographic

    Google announced its 50th Chrome release, which it considers a major milestone.

    “We originally launched Chrome to give users a fast, simple and secure browser,” said Rahul Roy-Chowdhury, director of product management on Chrome. “That still remains our mission today. And while while there’s still much more to do – especially with the shift to mobile and helping new users who are coming online for the first time – we thought we’d take a step back and reflect on our journey so far. Here at Google, we’re obsessed with stats, so we thought you might enjoy a whirlwind tour of Chrome, by the numbers.”

    And here they are:

    Google first launched Chrome in 2008. Here’s a look at the original announcement if you want to take a trip down memory lane. They even put together a comic book to illustrate the project.

    Chrome became the most popular browser in the U.S. about three years ago.

    Images via Google

  • Report Suggests Google Bought Links For Chrome Again [Updated]

    Report Suggests Google Bought Links For Chrome Again [Updated]

    A few years ago, Google kind of got caught violating its own webmaster guidelines. Specifically, a third party was doing some marketing for the company to promote Chrome, and they reportedly paid bloggers with gift certificates for sponsored posts. The links were not nofollowed, which is what you’re supposed to do according to Google.

    Google said at the time, “Google never agreed to anything more than online ads. We have consistently avoided paid sponsorships, including paying bloggers to promote our products, because these kind of promotions are not transparent or in the best interests of users. We’re now looking at what changes we need to make to ensure that this never happens again.”

    Once outed, Google did play by the rules and penalize the Chrome site. They may want to take another look at those changes they made to ensure it never happened again though, because it sounds like it happened again.

    Barry Schwartz at Search Engine Roundtable reports:

    Tadeusz Szewczyk posted on Twitter that Google paid $350,000 or so to buy an image link for Google Chrome on the Let’s Encrypt sponsors page. Google is a big backer of encryption and there is no doubt they are supporting this cause. But as you can see, platinum sponsorship is $350,000.

    Google has yet to address this to our knowledge. Will it penalize Chrome again?

    Update: Google has now addressed it in a Webmaster Central hangout video (52 minutes in):

    Evidently, Google was not counting the link anyway and it has been nofollowed. According to Google’s John Mueller, the link would’t have changed the ranking of the Chrome home page anyway.

    Read Barry’s recap here.

    Image via Google

  • Chrome Gets Some Updates (Including An Important One on iOS)

    Google announced the newest release of Chrome, which includes some significant updates.

    “In this release, we’re updating Chrome for iOS to UKWebView (Apple’s rendering engine). The highlight here is that Chrome will crash 70% less, and have a ton of performance and stability improvements,” a spokesperson for Google tells WebProNews.

    “We’re also introducing a data-saving Chrome extension for desktop Chrome that helps when you’re sharing an internet connection or your data is metered,” the spokesperson adds.

    Google talks about the new features a bit more and gives you some security tips here.

    Image via Google

  • Google Adding Cast Functionality Into Chrome

    Google appears to be in the early stages of making its cast technology part of its Chrome browser. Currently, Chromecast users have to use the Google Cast extension to be able to cast browser tabs, but may change in future versions of Chrome.

    Google Chromium evangelist François Beaufort writes on Google+ (via The Verge):

    The chromium team is currently experimenting in Beta Channel with casting tabs without the Google Cast extension installed thanks to the new Media Router¹.

    By simply enabling the experimental flag “Media Router” at chrome://flags/#media-router, the Google Cast extension will be disabled and you’ll be able to right click on a page and see a new “Cast…” menu (also available in the Chrome menu and in the redesigned Extension Toolbar²).
    Toggling off the flag will re-enable the Google Cast extension.

    ¹ https://plus.google.com/+FrancoisBeaufort/posts/gBitb1G9Q4j
    ² https://plus.google.com/+FrancoisBeaufort/posts/99gLixnF6Kf

    Chromecast were 35% of all streaming device sales worldwide in Q3, according to Strategy Analytics. The device outsold rivals like Apple TV and Roku.

    The newest version of the device was unveiled in the fall.

    Image via Google+

  • Chrome on Android Aims To Save You More Data

    Google is going to remove most of a webpage’s images when you load it in the Chrome browser on Android on a slow connection. This way, you won’t use up all of the data on your plan just trying to load something that’s taking forever.

    The feature is an extension of the Data Saver feature that Chrome has had for some time.

    In a brief post on the Chrome blog, product manager Tal Oppenheimer says:

    Accessing mobile websites on a slow connection can be frustrating: it can eat up your data, and it takes work to keep track of your usage. With that in mind, we created Data Saver mode in Chrome, which reduces the amount of data used when you visit a webpage.

    Now, we’re updating this mode to save even more data – up to 70 percent! – by removing most images when loading a page on a slow connection. After the page has loaded, you can tap to show all images or just the individual ones you want, making the web faster and cheaper to access on slow connections.

    The expanded Data Saver mode will first be available to Chrome users in India and Indonesia. It will be expanded to additional countries in the coming months.

    Images via Google

  • Google Announces Single App Chrome Device Management For Kiosks, Digital Signage

    Google announced a new Chrome Device Management console specifically for digital signs and kiosks. It’s called the Single App Chrome Device Management (Single App CDM), and costs $24 per device per year.

    It gives businesses reporting that monitors the health of kiosks and signage at all times, and provides alerts when devices go down. It also lets you reboot the device remotely without having to get someone to go out and deal with it.

    Additionally, Single App CDM provides live updates about system usage. Users can capture screen grabs to see what users see.

    Among the devices that Single App CDM supports is the ASUS Chromebit, which was announced earlier this year, and is now available. It can be used to integrate into a what Google refers to as a “broad spectrum” of signage configurations.

    “For example, the menu boards at a coffee shop or cafe could be powered by Chrome devices like the Chromebox, Chromebase and Chromebit, running a Chrome Kiosk app that displays relevant, dynamic content,” says Google’s Vidya Nagarajan. “Combined with our rich partner ecosystem of Chrome Kiosk apps from StratosMedia, Telemetry, Arreya, SignageLive, Wondersign, Nutrislice, Chrome Sign builder and many others, we have a solution to support any scenario.”

    “More and more businesses across the globe are using DIY-service models and integrated mobile, digital signage and kiosk technology to personalize their customer experience,” says Nagarajan. “While the customer experience is enhanced, the administration experience needs to stay simple.”

    IDC has a white paper available that looks at how organizations use Chrome OS to deliver signage. You can check that out here.

    Image via Google

  • Google Blogs About How Chrome OS Is ‘Here to Stay’

    Google wants to make sure you know it’s serious when it says Chrome OS isn’t going away. The company put out a blog post on Monday titled “Chrome OS is here to stay,” and cross-posted it across at least three blogs (Google for Work, Google Enterprise, and Google Chrome).

    Last week, The Wall Street Journal ran a report, citing people familiar with the matter, saying that Google plans to fold Chrome OS into Android and that Google would unveil a new single operating system in 2017. An early version, it said, would be shown off as early as next year.

    Not so fast.

    While it doesn’t point to this report specifically, Google addresses the “confusion about the future of Chrome SO and Chromebooks based on speculation that Chrome OS will be folded into Android.” It acknowledges that it has been working on ways to bring together “the best of both operating systems,” but says “there’s no plan to phase out Chrome OS.”

    The company says it has plans to release more features for Chrome such as a new media player, a visual refresh based on Material Design, improved performance, and more security related stuff.

    “For everyday use, we’re proud that Chromebooks are continually listed as a best-selling laptop computer on Amazon.com,” writes Hiroshi Lockheimer, SVP Android, Chrome OS and Chromecast. “In an effort to make computing even more accessible, earlier this year we introduced the first $149 Chromebook—a fast, affordable laptop. And in the next couple weeks the Asus Chromebit will be available—an $85 device that turns any display into a computer so you can replace your old desktop with an affordable computer the size of a candy bar, or let businesses transform a billboard into a smart digital sign.”

    “This year we’ve also worked to redefine the different forms Chrome OS can take, introduced the first designated Chromebook for Work, and brought more of your favorite Android apps to your Chromebook via Apps Runtime on Chrome (a.k.a. ARC),” he says. “But there’s more to do…With our regular six-week software cycle and guaranteed auto-updates for five years, Chromebooks keep getting better over time. Finally, stay on the lookout for dozens of new Chromebooks in 2016.”

    The Journal’s article indicated that while Google would fold Chrome OS into Android, Google engineers would continue to support it as an open source offering. This notion is not actually addressed in Google’s blog post.

    Image via Google

  • Chrome OS Isn’t Going Away, Says Google

    Rumors of Chrome OS and Android merging into one operating system have seemingly been happening nearly as long as the two operating systems have existed alongside each other.

    Sergey Brin even reportedly mentioned as far back as 2009 that the two would likely one day converge.

    Late on Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Google plans to fold Chrome OS into Android, citing people familiar with the matter, adding that Google engineers have been working for two years to combine the operating systems, having made new progress.

    The report indicates that Google plans to unveil the new single operating system in 2017, while showing off an early version next year. It also says the new combined version of will give PC users access to the Google Play store. Technically, they already have access, so I’ll take this to mean they’ll be able to use Android apps on PCs. Chrome OS will remain as an open source OS that Google engineers will maintain, it says.

    Google has responded to the report, downplaying any notion that Chrome OS is going away, but not exactly denying its accuracy.

    Hiroshi Lockheimer, SVP Android, Chromecast, Chrome OS tweeted this:

    The future of the two operating systems as described by the Journal could still be seen as in line with that tweet. It does say Chrome OS will be maintained by Google even as it’s open source, and it does not say that Chromebooks are going away, which considering said momentum, would be ridiculous.

    In August, NPD reported that Chromebooks were outselling Windows laptops.

    Image via Google

  • Chrome For iOS Gets Multitasking, Shopping Improvements

    Chrome for iOS is getting a couple of new improvements, Google announced on Friday. For the iPad in particular, the browser is now better for multitasking.

    “Often on the web, we’re doing a ton of things at once — reading up on an exotic travel location, catching up on social media or booking a hotel,” says product manager AbdelKarim Mardini. “With that in mind, we’re introducing Split View for your iPad (Air 2 or mini 4) to our latest version of Chrome.”

    The shopping improvement isn’t limited to iPad models, but rather is coming to iOS in general.

    “We’re also working to make it easier to make purchases on the go,” says Mardini. “We’re shopping more often than ever on our phones and tablets, but it can be a pain to re-enter credit card information every time you buy something. That’s why we’re bringing Chrome’s Autofill from desktop and Android to iOS. No matter what device you use, you can shop for what you need easily and securely.”

    The new features are available if you update Chrome in the App Store.

    Images via Google

  • Shia LaBeouf Will Help You JUST DO IT with New Chrome Extension

    Sometimes we all need a little bit of help – a nice kick in the ass to get us going. Good thing we all have Shia LaBeouf to motivate us in our times of need.

    Unless you’ve been off the grid for the past couple of weeks, you’ve probably seen LaBeouf’s bizarre but hilarious motivational video. If you haven’t, here you go.

    JUST DO IT.

    The video, which went viral and inspired countless parodies, is actually just one segment in a longer project LaBeouf performed for London arts college Central Saint Martins.

    Anyway, LaBeouf’s wonderful motivational talents have finally come to your browser.

    “For when you need motivation! Shia LaBeouf delivers the most intense motivational speech of all-time IN YOUR BROWSER! Shia LaBeouf delivers the most intense motivational speech of all-time IN YOUR BROWSER! Need encouragement to poke someone on Facebook? Shia is there! Paying bills online? Shia is there! Need to respond to a lengthy email? Shia is there! Shia is always there when you need him. Download the extension now! DO IT!” says the creator of a new Chrome extension, aptly titled DO IT!.

    I had a very uncomfortable email to write earlier this morning. I’m feeling better already.

    [h/t TNW]

  • Chrome For Android Now Lets You Get Quick Answers

    Google announced the launch of a handy new search feature for Chrome for Android, which enables users to perform quick searches from webpages to learn more about the thing’s they’re already reading about.

    This way, you don’t have to open an new tab to search for something or go to the Google app to do so. Google software engineer Donn Denman explains:

    Often when we use our mobile phones, it’s for something fast in the moment. We see a food item we can’t identify, or hear a song lyric, and want to know more—quick answers to quick questions.

    So we’re bringing a new feature to Chrome—search from any webpage with just a tap. Since Chrome can see the page you’re searching from, it can give you more accurate search results. For example, just tapping on “America” on the page below shows a search about the movie “Captain America: Civil War”, not the country. Just slide up to see more information—news, cast, images and more.

    Here’s a look at the feature in action:

    Google says the feature will be rolling out to Chrome for Android over the next few days. Asian language support is on the way.

    It’s interesting to see the moves Google is making in letting people search from other apps. This of course follows the news of Google Now on Tap, which enables users to tap into Google Now from third-party apps.

    Image via Google

  • Chrome Tries To Keep Flash From Draining Your Laptop Battery

    Chrome Tries To Keep Flash From Draining Your Laptop Battery

    Google made a pretty interesting and unexpected announcement about how Chrome will start working to save the battery life of your laptop. How will it do this? By pausing Flash.

    Google software engineer Tommy Li explains:

    Adobe Flash allows web pages to display rich content—but sometimes that can put a squeeze on your laptop’s battery. So we’ve been working with Adobe to ensure that your experience on the web can be power-efficient as well as rich and interactive—and today, we’re introducing an update to Chrome that does just that.

    When you’re on a webpage that runs Flash, we’ll intelligently pause content (like Flash animations) that aren’t central to the webpage, while keeping central content (like a video) playing without interruption. If we accidentally pause something you were interested in, you can just click it to resume playback. This update significantly reduces power consumption, allowing you to surf the web longer before having to hunt for a power outlet.

    The feature will be rolling out immediately on the Chrome desktop beta channel release, and to everyone else on desktop soon. It will be enabled by default, but you can adjust the settings on it in Chrome’s content settings by going to “Detect and run important plugin content.”

    Image via Google

  • Google Tone Lets You Share Links with Sound

    Google’s latest Chrome experiment is equal parts cool, possibly annoying, fun, first-world problem solving, and pointless. Ok, maybe not equal parts. It’s probably a combination of fun and annoying – depending on who’s using it.

    If you’ve ever wanted to send links to your co-workers with sound, now is your chance.

    Say hello to Tone:

    “As digital devices have multiplied, so has the complexity of coordinating them and moving stuff between them. Tone grew out of the idea that while digital communication methods like email and chat have made it infinitely easier, cheaper, and faster to share things with people across the globe, they’ve actually made it more complicated to share things with the people standing right next to you. Tone aims to make sharing digital things with nearby people as easy as talking to them,” says Google.

    Once you install the Tone extension, all you have to do it click the green Tone button and it’ll send out a beep. That beep contains your link information. Any devices within earshot (and which also have Tone installed) will receive the link via notification.

    “Tone provides an easy-to-understand broadcast mechanism that behaves like the human voice—it doesn’t pass through walls like radio or require pairing or addressing. The initial prototype used an efficient audio transmission scheme that sounded terrible, so we played it beyond the range of human hearing. However, because many laptop microphones and nearly all video conferencing systems are optimized for voice, it improved reliability considerably to also include a minimal DTMF-based audible codec. The combination is reliable for short distances in the majority of audio environments even at low volumes, and it even works over Hangouts,” says Google.

    Of course, it’s not perfect. But it works a good amount of the time. Room acoustics, mic sensitivity, and speaker volume can all factor into Tone’s effectiveness.

    Does this solve a problem? I don’t know – when I send links to people it’s usually through messaging apps. But hey, it is kind of cool – and a pretty high-tech way to Rickroll someone. You can try it for yourself here.

  • Google Still Working On Kid Versions Of Its Products

    Google Still Working On Kid Versions Of Its Products

    Earlier this year news came out that Google was looking at catering to a whole new market – kids under thirteen years old.

    The Wall Street Journal reported at the time that the company was working on a new system that would let parents set up accounts for kids, and control how they use services and what info is collected about them.

    The Journal’s source said it’s Google’s response to people who are already trying to sign their kids up for the company’s products. Apparently they want to make sure it’s handled right and lawfully.

    The Information, which first reported on Google’s plans back in the summer, said Google would offer a dashboard for parents to oversee kids’ activities. This would be in addition to a kid-friendly version of YouTube.

    We haven’t really heard more about any of this in quite a while until now. USA Today has a new report out after speaking with Pavni Diwanji, VP of engineering at Google, who is leading the initiative. The report quotes her:

    “We expect this to be controversial, but the simple truth is kids already have the technology in schools and at home,” says the mother of two daughters, ages 8 and 13. “So the better approach is to simply see to it that the tech is used in a better way.”

    …

    “We want to be thoughtful about what we do, giving parents the right tools to oversee their kids’ use of our products,” says Diwanji, who will attend the White House ceremony. “We want kids to be safe, but ultimately it’s about helping them be more than just pure consumers of tech, but creators, too.”

    These products are apparently due out next year, though the report doesn’t get into the specifics on which ones, other than to speculate about Search, Chrome, and YouTube.

    Image via Google

  • Chrome OS Adds Google Drive Chromecast Support

    The beauty of Google’s $35 Chromecast streaming device is that the company as well as third parties can keep adding support for additional products and features, which means ultimately it just gets more and more useful.

    Google announced an update for its Chrome OS operating system, which powers Chromebook devices, to enable Chromecast support for media files stored on Google Drive.

    Not only does this mean more functionality for your Chromecast, it’s more of a reason to store media files in Google Drive, if you have a Chromebook.

    This isn’t the only addition with the Chrome OS update. Here’s what Google said about it in its release notes:

    The Stable channel has been updated to 39.0.2171.85 (Platform version: 6310.48.0) for all Chrome OS devices except Dell Chromebook 11, HP Chromebook 14, Acer C720 and the Toshiba Chromebook. This build contains a number of bug fixes, security updates and feature enhancements. Systems will be receiving updates over the next couple weeks as the team takes a break over the holiday. Here is a list of Chromium changes.

    Some highlights of these changes are:
    Enable Chromecast support for media files stored on Google Drive
    Update Network Error page design
    Display apps installed in Google Drive in the Chrome OS Launcher
    If you find new issues, please let us know by visiting our forum or filing a bug. Interested in switching channels? Find out how. You can submit feedback using ‘Report an issue…’ in the Chrome menu (3 horizontal bars in the upper right corner of the browser).

    While Chromecast has some new competition, it does continue to gain additional third-party app support as well as additional device support for Android screen mirroring.

    Image via YouTube

  • Google Drive Lets You Launch Desktop Apps In Chrome

    Google announced that Google Drive will now let you launch applications from your desktop computer in the Chrome browser. You’ll need a Chrome extension for it, but this is certainly a welcome addition to Drive users looking for increased productivity from within.

    Check it out.

    “Browsers are pretty amazing things,” says product manager Rachel Barton. “Before, if you wanted to do any serious computing, you’d have to install software onto your computer. But these days, most of that can be done right from within the browser. For example, you can use Google Drive to preview files directly in Gmail, create and share Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, and even edit other file types like Microsoft Office documents without installing a single thing on your hard drive.”

    “But here’s the catch,” she adds. “When it comes to browsers and installed applications working well together, they aren’t quite on the same page. To change that, today we’re launching a new extension for Chrome that lets you open files from Google Drive directly into a compatible application installed on your computer. This includes apps like advanced image and video editing software, accounting and tax programs, or 3D animation and design tools. So, no matter what you keep in Drive, using the web to access and manage files doesn’t mean you’re limited to using applications that only work in your browser.”

    The Chrome extension you’ll need is Application Launcher for Drive. It’s in the process of rolling out.

    The extension will require you to sync your files.

    Image via Google

  • Google Discovers ‘POODLE’ Vulnerability In SSL 3.0

    Google announced that it has discovered a vulnerability (referred to as POODLE) in SSL version 3.0, the details of which can be found here. Bodo Möller of the Google Security Team found the issue along with fellow Googlers Thai Duong and Krzysztof Kotowicz. Makers of web browsers, including Google, are working on a fix.

    Möller writes:

    SSL 3.0 is nearly 15 years old, but support for it remains widespread. Most importantly, nearly all browsers support it and, in order to work around bugs in HTTPS servers, browsers will retry failed connections with older protocol versions, including SSL 3.0. Because a network attacker can cause connection failures, they can trigger the use of SSL 3.0 and then exploit this issue.

    Disabling SSL 3.0 support, or CBC-mode ciphers with SSL 3.0, is sufficient to mitigate this issue, but presents significant compatibility problems, even today. Therefore our recommended response is to support TLS_FALLBACK_SCSV. This is a mechanism that solves the problems caused by retrying failed connections and thus prevents attackers from inducing browsers to use SSL 3.0. It also prevents downgrades from TLS 1.2 to 1.1 or 1.0 and so may help prevent future attacks.

    Möller also notes that Chrome has supported TLS_FALLBACK_SCSV since February, and says it has “good evidence” that it can be used without compatibility issues. Chrome will also begin testing changes that disable the fallback to SSL 3.0. Some sites will break because of this, Google notes, adding that such sites will need to be updated quickly.

    Google hopes to have support for SSL 3.0 removed from its client products within the coming months.

    Mozillla says it has a plan for Firefox as well. SSL 3.0 will be disabled by default in Firefox 34, which will be released on November 25th. It’s releasing the code to disable it in Nightly immediately, and that will be promoted to Aurora and Beta in the coming weeks.

    Additionally Firefox 35 will support SCSV, which is described as a generic TLS downgrade protection mechanism. Mozilla says:

    For Firefox users, the simplest way to stay safe is to ensure that Firefox is configured to automatically update. Look under Preferences / Advanced / Update and make sure that “Automatically install updates” is checked.

    For users who don’t want to wait till November 25th (when SSLv3 is disabled by default in Firefox 34), we have created the SSL Version Control Firefox extension to disable SSLv3 immediately.

    Microsoft had this to say:

    Microsoft is aware of detailed information that has been published describing a new method to exploit a vulnerability in SSL 3.0. This is an industry-wide vulnerability affecting the SSL 3.0 protocol itself and is not specific to the Windows operating system. All supported versions of Microsoft Windows implement this protocol and are affected by this vulnerability. Microsoft is not aware of attacks that try to use the reported vulnerability at this time. Considering the attack scenario, this vulnerability is not considered high risk to customers.

    We are actively working with partners in our Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) to provide information that they can use to provide broader protections to customers.

    Upon completion of this investigation, Microsoft will take the appropriate action to help protect our customers. This may include providing a security update through our monthly release process or providing an out-of-cycle security update, depending on customer needs.

    The company has further guidance, an FAQ, and a list of affected products available here.

    By the way, POODLE stands for “Padding Oracle On Downgraded Legacy Encryption”. This article at ImperialViolet.org has more technical information explaining it.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Google Launches Hangouts Chrome App

    Google Launches Hangouts Chrome App

    Google announced the launch of a new Hangouts Chrome app for Chrome OS and Windows, which it calls a “simpler, faster way to use Hangouts on your computer alongside whatever else your’e doing.”

    The point is that it keeps your chats accessible without getting in the way while you’re working, browsing reddit, watching Netflix or whatever.

    “Your contact list and all your chats are condensed into one easy to toggle window,” explains Google software engineer David Levin. “Also, you’ll get integrated notifications that alert you to new messages, so you can quickly find the conversation you’re looking for.”

    “It works outside of your browser so your chats are always available, not tucked away inside a window,” he adds. “You’ll get all your messages as long as you have the app running, and your chats will sync across Hangouts on all your devices.”

    The app includes video and voice features that are standard to Hangouts, and you can make phone calls with the Hangouts dialer from the desktop.

    The app is available in the Chrome Web Store.

    Image via Google

  • Google Adds New Work Features To Chromebooks

    In a push to get more businesses using Chromebooks, Google announced the launch of some new work-related features. These deal with identity, manageability, virtualization, and performance.

    There are now single sign-on and multiple sign-in options. The former lets you log in with the same credentials and identity provider you use in the rest of your organization, and uses the SAML standard. It also works with CA SiteMinder, Microsoft AD FS, Okta, Ping Identity, SecureAuth, and SimpleSAMLphp. Multiple sign-in lets you securely switch between work and personal accounts.

    “Businesses, schools and government institutions can now easily provision Chromebooks with client certificates to access 802.1X EAP-TLS wireless networks and mutual TLS protected web resources,” says product manager Saswat Panigrahi. “Using the Admin Console, IT admins can pre-configure their secure networks, push certificate management extensions and pre-select certificates to be used with certain websites and networks. Partners such as Aruba Networks, Cloudpath Networks and Aerohive Networks have already integrated this functionality.”

    For management, the Admin Console now lets IT administrators push a list of bookmarks and other settings to signed-in workers on all platforms, including mobile devices.

    “We’ve worked with virtualization partners like Citrix and VMware to expand the boundaries of what’s possible on Chromebooks,” says Panigrahi. “Recently, Citrix released a new Citrix Receiver optimized for Chromebooks, which provides more direct integration with Chromebooks and enables new features including seamless integration with Google Cloud Print; cut-and-paste between local and virtualized applications; better audio and video playback; improved license and application usage monitoring; and protection from end-to-end SSL connections.”

    Google recently partnered with Nvidia and VMware to speed the delivery of graphics-heavy virtualized applications to Chromebooks, so 3D-modeling and simulation applications can run.

    Finally, Google announced a new pricing option, enabling businesses to get all of this stuff for $50 per device per year. That’s available in the U.S. and Canada, with more regions on the way. Additionally, if you lose or replace a Chromebook, you can easily apply your existing license to the new device.

    Google will host a Chromebooks for Work Hangout on Air on October 9th.

    Image via Google

  • Google Admin iOS App Gets New Features

    Google announced an update to its Admin app for iOS.

    As the company explains, “Google Admin let’s you manage your Google for Work account on-the-go. Add and manage users and groups, contact support, and view audit logs for your organization.”

    “This app is only for super administrators of Google for Work products, including Google Apps for Work, Education, Government, Google Coordinate, and Chromebooks,” it adds.

    New features in the update include:

    Instant search for finding users
    Unifying the search fields for first name and last name for ease of use
    Ability to switch between multiple accounts quickly
    Conforming the UX to iOS 7 guidelines
    Adding a settings page with settings like remember password, etc
    Accessibility fixes

    The update is available in the App Store.

    Image via Google