Google Chrome 8 brings PDF reader, glitch fixes, upcoming app store

Without much fanfare, Google brings us Chrome 8, a practical update that may signal that the Web Store is soon to be released.

If you somehow missed the memo that the latest version of Chrome is out and ready for download, you aren’t the only one. Google’s been progressively tight-lipped about its browser updates, which is somewhat refreshing in the age of overblown Web announcements (you know who you are). This time, however, the release of Chrome 8 was particularly subdued, and Google didn’t even mention it on its blog, instead relegating it to its “Chrome Release” blog(which we know you all have bookmarked).

Chrome 7, released this fall, was well-reviewed and considered a successful update – it was verifiably faster and absolutely supported better graphics, all fairly significant improvements that were generally easily recognized by users. Aside from a couple specific features, Chrome 8’s updates are a little more under the covers, focusing on aspects like security and glitch-fixes.

Now that Google is pumping out the Chrome updates like clockwork, the company might not feel a need to fill a blog with its own accolades. Regardless, Chrome 8 has a few things to offer that make it a worthwhile download:

• Its most eye-catching feature is the built-in PDF reader, which means you won’t have to deal with Adobe’s endless updates.
• Chrome 8 fixes over 800 bugs from the previous version.
• Obviously, the update is supposed to be the fastest, most stable version available.
• A multitude of security fixes are included.
• The new browser will support the Chrome Web Store, Google’s version of the App Store. It was originally slated for October, but speculation is now pointing towards its release in the near future. Even though it hasn’t launched yet, you can get a preview of what apps will be available. There’s a Lego Star Wars game, a Sports Illustrated app, one dubbed “Card Game Creator,” and a photo editer called “Dark Room.”