Feb 06, 2017 04:36 AM EST By Dan Camins, UniversityHerald Reporter

A recent update to the iOS version of Google Chrome now includes a built-in QR Code Scanner. Users previously had to install third-party applications just to be able to scan these codes, not anymore.

Google Chrome and QR Codes

Phone Arena reported that the new inclusion of the updated Google Chrome iOS version adds the QR code scanner shortcut straight to its force touch menu. The new feature conveniently eliminates the need to download and install a separate app.

QR Codes is famously used in Japan and Asian countries and still progressing slowly in use in the west. They are more useful too since they can store and present more data than a standard barcode. Additionally, the latest update also features the convenience of having a "Voice Search" shortcut to Chrome's force touch menu.

The updated Chrome for iOS is available now and comes with a redesigned tab switcher for Chrome on the iPad. This said Google would allow for faster access to sites, as well as with the addition of a few 3D Touch shortcuts.

Google Chrome now open-source for iOS

Google recently announced that its Chrome code for the iOS is now part of its Chromium open source project, reported Tech Crunch. Chrome had always been open-source through the Chromium project but oddly not available for the iOS due to the fact that Apple demanded that browsers have to use WebKit instead of employing their own rendering engines.

Adding the iOS Chrome code into Chromium will now allow developers to build on the iOS app. It is foreseen that opening up would mean speeding up development of Google Chrome for the iOS, said Google.

Developers who would want to develop iOS browsers now have a common starting point. It is expected that new third-party iOS browsers from developers will soon emerge that will feature vast improvements.

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