One of the biggest changes in how Chrome works has begun to make its way into the beta build of the browser, as Google Chrome 14 beta (download for Windows | Mac | Linux) now comes with the first beta release of Native Client. This is a major breakthrough in development terms, indicating that the NaCl project is moving ahead more or less on schedule. However, full NaCl support is still a long way off.

You're not likely to see any of Native Client, as its a major re-working of how the code that powers Chrome functions. Basically, it changes Chrome so that it runs in a double-sandbox, running with the convenience of Web-based JavaScript with the performance of software written specifically for an operating system-and-processor combination.

While NaCl is on the forefront of software technology, other changes to Chrome 14 beta lock down long-missing or otherwise absent features. Mac users finally get Print Preview, and all users will benefit from extending encryption to all synchronized data.

Several new APIs debuted in the beta, including support for the new Web Audio API and two experimental APIs for extensions. Web Audio supports room spatialization and simulation. One of those handles Web requests, and the other deals with content settings. Finally, in addition to multiple security and bug fixes that migrated from the developer's channel to the beta, Apple users get Mac OS X Lion feature support. Google's changelog for Chrome 14 beta is available, too.

If Google's previous release schedule is any indication, the developer's build of Chrome ought to update to version 15 within a week or so.

Oh, 8coupons, where were you last night when I stopped for dinner at Ruby Tuesday? With about three taps of my iPhone's screen, I could have saved 15 percent on my entire bill!

I won't make that mistake again. This new app serves up local deals from thousands of sources, showing them on a map or in a big searchable list. For serious bargain-hunters, it's an essential mobile companion.

But an imperfect one. For starters, you're limited to deals in your immediate area--unless you manually scroll the map to another location. There's no way to load up the deals for someplace you might be heading, which would be helpful for, say, determining ahead of time where you want to have dinner.

What's more, many of the deals I found required printed coupons, and the app offers no means for printing them. Indeed, in many cases 8coupons merely routes you to a Web page listing the deal, one that's not formatted for mobile viewing--and certainly not for mobile printing. That's a pretty major limitation.

Even so, it's hard to argue with a free app that puts pretty much every local deal in existence right at your fingertips. There's even an augmented-reality (AR) view for those who want a sort of heads-up deal display (HUDD).

8coupons also lets you share deals you discover at local businesses. You can snap a picture (like if there's a today-only flier posted) and enter the details. That way, others in your area will be able to take advantage.

I wasn't kidding about that Ruby Tuesday thing. 8coupons just showed me a 15-percent-off coupon that doesn't require printing: you just flash the onscreen coupon at your server. Needless to say, I'll be firing up this app every time I go out to eat, to a mall, or pretty much anywhere. It may not always pay off, but I'm sure it will sometimes.

Originally posted at iPhone Atlas