Google has made some upgrades to the stable version of its Chrome browser, adding things like WebGL and Chrome Instant, and expanding the presence of the Chrome Web Store.
Like Google Instant, which loads search returns as you type, Chrome Instant loads possible Web sites as you type in a URL. When you're signed in, Google will take note of the Web sites you visit frequently and load them when you start typing - like "Tw" for Twitter.com or even just "F" for Facebook.com.
If supported by the default search engine, search results will also appear when you type search queries into the Google omnibox. To enable Instant, go to the Basics tab of Chrome's options.
The stable version also now includes WebGL, which brings hardware-accelerated 3D graphics to the browser. "With WebGL in Chrome, you can experience rich 3D experiences right inside the browser with no need for additional software," Google said in a blog post.
These and other features were added to the beta version of Chrome in mid-December. Google has four versions, or channels, of Chrome: Canary, Dev, Beta, and Stable.
Google also announced that the Chrome Web Store is now open to all Chrome users in the United States. The Web Store, which launched in early December, is a browser-based app store that initially featured about 500 apps from partners like Amazon, Electronic Arts, the New York Times, and Sports Illustrated.
New additions include BBC GoodFood, Autodesk, Sesame Street, nine King.com games, and Marvel Comics. Google also added a link to the Chrome Web Store on the New Tab page, along with two sample apps.
"While the store is currently only available for Chrome users in the U.S., we're working hard to expand availability to users around the world soon, so stay tuned," Google said.