Chrome for Android.

(Credit: Screenshot by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)

Chrome 25 for Android (download) finally gets another update, this time bringing numerous fixes to stability, speed, and overall browser behavior.

The last time Chrome for Android updated was November 2012.

In the interim, Google has been building significant backend improvements for the browser. In its blog announcing the Chrome update, Google programmer Jason Kersey revealed the changes but with few details.

The biggest improvement that Chrome fans will appreciate is the update to the latest version of V8, Chrome's JavaScript engine.

Other changes include better responsiveness when using pinch-to-zoom; improved scrolling performance; expanded support for HTML5 changes since the November release; and a permission change that allows Chrome to pause audio when the dialer and phone functions are in use. Audio will continue stream from the browser even when it's in the background, except for the phone function.

Chrome continues to have a relatively small percentage of the Android browser market share, but that's expected to... [Read more]

New interface, features capstone Avast 8 (pictures)

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The new version of the Avast security suite focuses on repairing the past mistakes of Windows. Debuting today exclusively with CNET's Download.com, Avast 8 addresses some of today's most pressing security concerns but leaves at least one other growing problem unresolved.

All told, Avast Free Antivirus 8 (download), Avast Pro Antivirus 8 (download), Avast Internet Security 8 (download) and the new top-tier suite, Avast Premier 8 (download), command upwards of 170 million active users, making Avast the most popu... [Read more]

Amazon introduced its Cloud Player app for the iPad.

(Credit: Amazon) Amazon today launched its Cloud Player app for the Apple iPad and iPad Mini, expanding the online retail giant's footprint for its music streaming program.

The app allows customers to stream or download music stored in Amazon's cloud, play music already stored on the device, and manage or create playlists.

Related stories:

• Vroom, vroom: Amazon cloud player now available in Ford cars
• iPhone, iPod Touch users can now buy music from Amazon
• Amazon warns iOS users to not update Kindle app due to glitch

A quick check by CNET shows iPad users also can purchase songs from Amazon through the Safari Web browser ... [Read more]