Google releases latest Chrome beta

Chrome now offers privacy settings on a site-by-site basis

Google has launched a new beta of its Chrome browser, promising a number of improvements including automatic translation and new privacy and content controls.

The translation feature lets users instantly translate web sites without the need to install a browser extension or plug-in. Users visiting a web site with a different language will see a prompt asking whether they would like the pages translated.

Google has also increased the scope of Chrome's content settings, offering greater control over cookies, images, JavaScript, plug-ins and pop-ups on a site-by-site basis. The firm said that users could allow trusted sites to leave cookies, for example, but forbid others.

"Browsers are perhaps the most important piece of software for computer users today," said Wieland Holfelder, Google's engineering director in Munich.

"We are innovating quickly with Chrome, and continue to work towards our three central principles: speed, security and simplicity. With the new release, we also give users even more choice and control over their own privacy while surfing the web.

He added that Google hopes the translate feature will "open up the web for people to discover new, compelling content" irrespective of the language it's written in.

The beta is available for download now, and users on the beta channel will have their browser updated automatically.