Chrome: Google enhances autofill function

Google's Chrome browser has long offered the ability to automatically enter saved data such as addresses, passwords, and payment information into forms, saving users a lot of time. The company has now announced that desktop users with “enhanced autofill enabled” will also be able to fill in driver's license numbers, vehicle data (such as license plate or chassis number), and much more.

Less manual work

With the update, Google is also introducing general improvements to the autofill function, which should enable the feature to better understand complex forms and different formatting requirements and “improve accuracy across the web,” according to the company. These optimizations would be useful, for example, when entering bank details such as IBANs, where spaces are sometimes required and sometimes not.

Google also clarifies that the information stored in the autofill function, like other data stored with Google, is stored with end-to-end encryption (E2EE). According to the company, this function will be rolled out globally, not just in the US. It is currently unclear whether Google will initially only support US-typical data such as driver's license numbers and the like, or if they are already locally adapted. Google also states that further data types are to be supported in the coming months.

Users can store and manage their desired autofill data and passwords in the Chrome browser settings. If users would rather not use the functions integrated into the browser, they can also link an alternative password manager.

Experiment: Split View

In desktop Chrome, users can also try out a feature called Split View, or “split view,” which was introduced as an experiment in the summer. Currently, it still needs to be enabled under “chrome://flags/#side-by-side.” After enabling it, the feature can be found in the context menu of a tab or link.

If you select the option, the browser tab is essentially split, and you have the option to display two web pages side-by-side in a single tab. The sizes can be adjusted with a slider in the middle of the pages. It is unclear when the feature will be distributed in its final version.

(afl)