If you gather a group of people and ask what annoys them the most on the Internet, they will most likely name the ads that have filled almost the entire online space. After all, if banner ads, in general, can still be hidden using special utilities or browser extensions, then there is absolutely nowhere to hide from native integrations, which are sometimes difficult to distinguish from the author's opinion. However, there is at least one more phenomenon that, in my humble opinion, can infuriate more than pop-ups.
Google Chrome will start blocking notifications if you want to
This is, of course, about notifications. Until a certain point, they were absent as a class, but over time, site owners began to understand that the ability to send an alert about the release of new material is a great opportunity to increase traffic. But if on news portals the appearance of notifications, in principle, had the logic due to regular updates, then for resources of other types – no. However, over time, there are practically no sites left that would not offer to subscribe to notifications, overlapping all content with a dialog box. But since it could not be ignored, Google decided to take action.
What Quiet Mode does in Chrome
Smart Quiet Mode coming soon to Google Chrome
In Chrome 80, a so-called silent mode will appear, which will automatically block the appearance of dialog boxes on the screen. Instead, the browser will show an unobtrusive notification in the corner that notifications have been hidden, with the option to maximize the window and subscribe to updates if necessary. At first, the quiet mode will need to be turned on forcibly, however, over time, the developers promise, it will become wiser and will be fully automatic.
The developers plan to achieve automation of the quiet mode as a result of its training. Immediately after the release, it will begin to learn from users, taking into account their preferences. Therefore, when there is enough information about the behavior, Chrome will begin to either skip dialog boxes if the user agrees to receive notifications more often, or, if he refuses more often, they will simply be blocked. According to Google developers, this will make using Chrome as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Google Chrome update
However, the goal of the new Quiet Mode is not only to keep users from receiving notifications, but also to protect them from unscrupulous site administrators. The fact is that many owners of online portals use the mechanism for sending notifications for advertising, deception in one form or another, and the implementation of fraudulent schemes and other events dangerous for users.
The release of Chrome update number 80 will take place in February, the developers have promised. The update will be released simultaneously for both desktop and mobile platforms. After that, the notification control program will begin to operate, which will consist not only in blocking notifications as such, but also in tracking sites that use this tool in bad faith. When there is enough information, Google may start to disable the ability to use notifications for sites that deceive users, as well as sites with low subscription rates.