Google is rolling out the new update for its search browser, Chrome 72, with bug fixes, security updates and newer features like external storage access for Android apps including microSD cards and USB drives along with Picture in Picture (PiP) mode for Chrome sites.

With Chrome 72, Google has optimised the browser for touchscreen devices in tablet mode and added app shortcuts for Android apps that are now searchable in the launcher, the company wrote in a blog post on Saturday. 

"App shortcuts for Android apps are now searchable in the launcher. Users can find an app shortcut by long pressing or right-clicking on an Android app," the post said.

The update also brings Google Assistant and Android 9 Pie to more Chromebooks after a short testing period on the 'Pixel Slate' device. 

The update also features a page about touch-gestures in Chrome's built-in screen reader -- ChromeVox -- tutorial. 

"Within the screen reader, we have added a setting in the ChromeVox options page that would read anything under the mouse cursor," the post added. 

Additionally, Chrome 72 would allow files saved via Backup and Sync on Google Drive to be available in the Files app under the My Drive/Computers menu option. There is also external storage access for Android apps using direct /storage and MediaStore APIs

Speaking of the security upgrades, Google said that ‘Shill’, the network manager for Chrome OS, has been put in a sandbox and no longer runs as the root user on the system. “This security hardening measure helps protect users in the case of networking-related security vulnerabilities, such as one that resulted in persistent device compromise in 2016,” it said.

Systems would be receiving the updates over the next several days, the post noted. 

Google has also invited users to report new issues on its forum or filing for a bug, if they find one.