Google skips Chrome 82 release due to coronavirus pandemic

Yesterday we wrote that Microsoft has delayed future non-essential Windows updates due to the coronavirus outbreak and now we hear that Google is adjusting its Chrome development plans. Most of Google's developers are now working remotely and this has prompted the search giant to halt development of Chrome 82.

Instead, the focus will shift to Chrome 83. The future of Chrome 81 is also uncertain. Version 81 was supposed to be released last week but Google posted on its blog that future Chrome and Chrome OS releases were paused. It's possible that Chrome 81 will never make it out of beta as Google is prioritizing security updates for the current Chrome 80 release.

Previously, Chrome 83 was scheduled to arrive in June. It's unknown whether Google will try to release it earlier. Otherwise, it means most users will be using Chrome 80 for a lot longer than expected.