Google has released Chrome 64 to the stable channel for desktop users, and this update makes browsing the web less annoying. This is thanks to Google now allowing users to permanently mute entire websites and/or those reminder ads that follow you around like a bad smell.

While Chrome is now the most popular web browser available, it's far from perfect. And with Firefox Quantum now out in the world, Google needs to do more to keep people using Chrome. Thankfully, alongside all of the necessary bug fixes, Chrome 64 adds some new tools.

Mute Things That Annoy You

Chrome 64 is all about the ability to mute things that are annoying you.

The first thing Chrome 64 lets you mute is whole websites. Chrome has for a while now informed you which tab is leaking sound, and let you mute it temporarily. However, starting with Chrome 64, you'll be able to permanently mute the website(s) responsible. All you need to do is right-click on the offending tab and select "Mute site". Et voila, that site will be silenced for good.

Chrome 64 also lets you mute a certain type of ad Google refers to as "reminder ads". These are ads for certain products which you once considered buying. But by even considering making such a purchase you'll be bombarded with those same ads everywhere you look for the next month. The option to mute certain advertisers will be available in your Ads Settings.

Putting You Back in Control

Browsing the web should be a pleasure rather than a chore. And it seems Google is finally taking action to ensure that's the case. All websites need advertising revenue to pay the bills, but putting Chrome users in control of what they're seeing and hearing can only be a good thing.

Have you updated to Chrome 64 yet? If so, what do you make of the changes? Are you likely to use the new option to mute websites? Or the new option to mute reminder ads? What changes would you like to see Google make next? Please let us know in the comments below!

Image Credit: Mateus Lunardi Dutra via Flickr