Google recently rolled out a new beta version of its Chrome browser for the Windows XP, Vista and 7 platforms. The biggest new feature is automatic language translation powers. Its new privacy tweaks are a nice upgrade, too.It's pretty rare that I need to get the information from a Web site that is published in a different language. Heretofore, I've used Google Translate to help me figure out what's going on, but that tool isn't perfect and takes time. For Chrome users willing to take a chance with the latest beta, Google has added instant machine translation of Web pages, without the need for any browser extensions or plug-ins.

Users will need to set a default language. When you navigate to a Web site that's published in a language other than your preferred one, Chrome will offer to translate it for you using Google Translate. It's not a perfect solution, but it reduces the hassle by one step. Google warns that its translation powers aren't perfect or all-knowing, so be careful and verify important information.

Google has also added to Chrome's privacy controls. In addition to offering a video that walks users through how to secure their browsers, it has given more latitude to what can be tweaked. The privacy controls will allow users to alter browser cookies, images, JavaScript, plug-ins, and pop-ups on a site-by-site basis rather than applied to all sites. Google explains, "For example, you can set up cookie rules to allow cookies specifically only for sites that you trust, and block cookies from untrusted sites."

Those who are using beta versions of Chrome for Windows XP, Vista and 7 should notice Chrome update in the next few days. Google believes that these features will be pushed to the full 1.0 stable release of Chrome in the coming weeks.