Google Chrome 16 beta adds multiple users
updated 05:10 pm EDT, Fri November 4, 2011
Google Chrome 16 syncs, shares multiple accounts
Google has posted its beta release for Chrome 16 with a view to tackling multi-user computers. The browser can now take on multiple Google accounts, each with their own syncing intact. The simple change lets a family or guests get access to all their bookmarks, themes, and web apps without the regular user having to sign out.
With multiple users active, a new badge in the corner shows who's logged in with a drop-down for switching users. Google warned with the launch that there's no password protection or other security layers during a switch, making it a bad choice for a public computer or for those who want to keep their browser contents private. Syncs should carry over to Android 4.0 devices like the Galaxy Nexus when they ship.
The beta is available now for Linux, the Mac, and Windows. A rougher developer build of Chrome 17 is also available for the same platforms, but mostly has unseen improvements like a newer JavaScript engine. Chrome 16 should reach its finished stage within a few weeks.
