New Chrome beta allows 'multiple' syncing

Google has taken the syncing of personalized settings on its Chrome browser a step further, allowing the synchronizing of multiple accounts.

 

Software engineer Miranda Callahan said Chrome's version 16 (beta) also allows syncing of bookmarks, apps and extensions from any device where one is signed in.

 

"(W)e’ve added a new feature that lets people who use a shared computer each have their own personalized Chrome, and lets them each sign in to Chrome to sync their stuff," Callahan said in a blog post.

 

She said this will be useful for Chrome users who share a computer with family or friends.

 

"You may not want your bookmarks and settings mixing with your brother’s or your roommate’s bookmarks and settings, and you wouldn’t want their Chrome stuff syncing to your other devices," she said.

 

Users can go to Options, click Personal Stuff, and click "Add new user."

 

A new instance of Chrome will open, ready to be customized with its own set of apps, bookmarks, extensions, and other settings.

 

"A badge in the upper corner lets you know at a glance that this new Chrome browser belongs to you, and you can customize the name and badge as you like. Clicking this badge drops down a menu of all the users on that computer, so you can easily switch between them," she said.

 

She added each user can sign in to Chrome to access their own personalized Chrome across all their computers.

 

But she cautioned users this feature is not meant to secure one's data against other people using one's computer, since all it takes is a couple of clicks to switch between users.

 

"We want to provide this functionality as a quick and simple user interface convenience for people who are already sharing Chrome on the same computer today. To truly protect your data from being seen by others, please use the built-in user accounts in your operating system of choice," she said.

 

Meanwhile, Callahan said the latest beta version allows the syncing of personalized settings to all computers one is logged into.

 

"Signing in to Chrome enables sync and brings your Chrome bookmarks and other personalized settings to all of your computers. Anything you update on one device instantly updates everywhere else, and your stuff is safe in case a truck runs over your laptop. Just go to the Wrench menu and select 'Sign in to Chrome,'" she said. — TJD, GMA News