Google Chrome

Google Chrome browser has launched a companion widget for the iPhone, to make a quick search and other features easier. The official widget can be added to the home screen after the Chrome app is installed.

While Google Drive and Google Fit have had widgets for some time, Google announced that Chrome and Calendar would receive widget support during 2021. With the release of Chrome version 90.0.4430.78 for iOS, the Chrome browser widgets have arrived.

The Chrome widget includes three variations:

Google announced today that it will be adding data compression and Google Translate to its Chrome iOS app. Chrome's data compression and bandwidth management tool can "reduce data usage by up to 50%," according to the Chrome blog. Users can navigate to Settings > Bandwidth management > Reduce data usage to enable the bandwidth saving tool. You can also track how much bandwidth you have saved each month from this page.

Google is also adding Google Translate to its iOS app. This tool allows users to translate any foreign webpages they visit on the Chrome browser. This is a popular feature on Chrome desktop and Android versions, but it has not been available on iOS until now.

Google Chromebooks can now detect iOS devices and automatically import all images and video to Google+ thanks to the newly installed Google+ Photos app. While this makes it easier for iOS users to upload images and video to their Chromebooks, it is also annoying because sometimes you don't want your files to be automatically shared on social media sites.

Luckily you can disable this feature by locating the Google+ Photos app in the Apps tab located at the bottom of your Chromebook's display. You can then navigate to the Google+ Photos Settings by clicking the gear icon in the top hand right corner. Just remove the check next to "Automatically import photos when I plug in a camera or memory card," and this will stop your Chromebook from detecting your iOS device and trying to import your photos to Google+.

Google announced today that it will begin rolling out Autofill for its Chrome iOS app in the near future, and that it is testing some improvements to Autofill on Android devices. The new feature will allow iOS users to quickly complete online forms when using the synced Autofill info on their iPhone or iPad.

The Android improvements aim to "further streamline online forms," and allow Android users a better and quicker experience when making online purchases. Merchants interested in adopting Google's "faster checkout flow" can learn more here.

Google rolled out updates for two of its more popular iOS apps on Wednesday. The Google Chrome browser now shows your entire browsing history, instead of just the most recently closed tabs. You can view your browsing history by tapping the new "History" tab under Settings. To clear your history, just tap the "Clear Browsing Data" bar at the bottom of the page. This will take you to the Privacy settings where you can delete your entire browsing history, cache or cookies. Other improvements to Chrome include better integration with other Google apps, data cost savings, and fullscreen for the iPad.

Google Maps also received a new look for the iPad, and the new Explore feature that Google has been championing for this update. Explore allows you to find specific locations like local places to eat, drink and shop. To use the new feature, just tap the search bar and then tap the the Explore card that pops up. You can then choose the category you want explore like Eat, Drink or Sleep. Each category also features a few subcategories for you to choose from. Other new features include live traffic updates and a simpler 5-star rating system.

Check out the complete changelogs for both Google iOS apps below.