Google Chrome, originally launched in September 2008, is quickly gaining popularity amongst web users of all operating systems, ranging from Linux to Windows. While development is a bit slower on the Mac and Linux side, there is still a lot of progress being made, such as the ability to run third-party add-ons, as well as new features, which will be debuting in Version 5 of the browser.

Just five days after the official Version 4 release and about a month and a half since Version 3.0 was released, Google is trying to release as many updates as popular to the browser to ensure that it evolves quickly, already matching some of the many features found in other browsers from Microsoft, Apple, and Mozilla.

Version 5 is now available, and it includes a number of new features for both Windows and Mac users (Linux users may have to wait a few weeks, as the latest development version is still in the 4.0-range). For the latest development version, please refer to either this page or the snapshots.

The main changes have been outlined on their Dev Channel. Because this is a developer version, it isn’t recommended that you test this unless you are willing to deal with crashes and unstable software. However, if you want to test the latest features of the browser, it may be wroth trying out.

Windows Version 5.0.307.1

The downloads will be moved to the default directory on Vista and Windows 7, except where it is the desktop.

Work has begun on a Content Settings window which, like other popular browsers, brings in additional options for changing how the browser deals with cookies, images, JavaScript, plugins, and popup windows.

Macintosh Version 5.0.307.1

The following changes have been made or addressed in this version for Mac.

• Improved plugin stability.
• Fix crash that happened when tabs were dragged around.
• A fix for %cpu in task manager.
• Cookies manager is given a search field.
• Copying of large images had been made more robust.
• Task manager resizing behavior has been improved.

Are you using Google Chrome, and if so, what features need to be added to convince you that it is one of the best browsers?