Google Chrome mutes annoying autoplay videos and kills popups that trick you into clicking hidden links
The new features will roll out next year, but users can try them early by downloading the beta
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Your support makes all the difference.Google Chrome has started clamping down on some of the most frustrating experiences on the web.
The internet browser is taking a more aggressive stance on autoplay videos, “deceptive” popups and other “abusive” features that can make websites difficult to navigate.
You can try the new tools now, before they officially roll out next year.
One of the biggest issues Google is confronting is autoplay videos, which begin without you needing to press play. They’re often adverts, and they’re particularly annoying because they also play with audio.
The beta version of Chrome 64 includes a feature that lets you stop websites from playing autoplay videos with sound.
You can access it by clicking the View Site Information symbol on the left-hand edge of the omnibar and toggling the Sound setting, reports 9to5Google.
You have to do this for all sites you want to mute autoplay ads on, but it will work when you navigate to different pages within those sites.
The Chrome 64 beta is also tackling cleverly disguised popups and links that “[appear] to do one thing, but [have] a different behavior when clicked.”
These can be buttons designed to look like a play or close symbol, which actually take you to another website when you click them.
“1 out of every 5 user feedback reports submitted on Chrome for desktop mention some type of unwanted content,” says Google.
“Examples include links to third-party websites disguised as play buttons or other site controls, or transparent overlays on websites that capture all clicks and open new tabs or windows.”
Google plans to bring the updates to Chrome in 2018, but you can try them out now by downloading the Chrome 64 beta here.
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