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Chrome bug meant browser didn’t respect user requests to delete Google site data

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3 months ago

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If you ask Chrome to delete all cookies and site data whenever you quit the browser, it’s reasonable to expect that this policy applies to all websites. Recently, though, a bug in the browser meant data wasn’t being removed for two sites in particular: Google and YouTube.

This problem was first documented by iOS developer Jeff Johnson on his blog. Johnson found that in Chrome version 86.0.4240.75, “local storage” data for Google.com and YouTube.com stuck around even after restarting the browser. We’ve been able to replicate similar behavior.

According to The Register, site data allows websites to store personal information about visitors, letting them remember information about users when they visit again in the future. In comparison, cookies are generally used to track users preferences and identities across different sites. However, The Register notes that Chrome’s behavior could allow Google to stash cookie-style data as site data, allowing it to track users even when they think they’re being careful by deleting their cookie and site data every time they close the browser.

In a statement, Google said it was aware of the issue and was working on a fix. “We are aware of a bug in Chrome that is impacting how cookies are cleared on some first-party Google websites,” a spokesperson said. “We are investigating the issue, and plan to roll out a fix in the coming days.” At least one of the affected sites, YouTube, appears to have already been fixed. After we upgraded the Chrome browser to version 86.0.4240.111, YouTube’s local storage data seems to successfully purge after a restart, although the data from Google.com still sticks around.

The bug is understood to have been introduced as Google phased out the browser’s support for hosted apps. As Johnson notes, it is possible to ensure that Google’s sites don’t create any local storage data, but it involves adding them to Chrome’s list of “Sites that can never use cookies.”

The context for this are the big changes that are coming to how Chrome handles third-party cookies. Earlier this year, Google announced plans to phase out third-party cookies entirely in Chrome over the next two years and replace them with new technologies that are less invasive. However, if these new rules aren’t applied fairly across all websites, then Google risks attracting even more antitrust scrutiny. Just yesterday, the USA’s Justice Department filed antitrust charges against the company for illegal monopolization of the search and ad markets. The last thing Google needs is to give antitrust regulators more ammunition.

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Keep That Hotdish Hot With 65% Off a Luncia Casserole Carrier, Only $11 With Promo Code

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4 weeks ago

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December 22, 2020

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Best Home DealsBest Home DealsThe best home, kitchen, smart home, and automotive deals from around the web, updated daily.

Luncia Double-Decker Dish Carrier | $11 | Amazon | Promo code SDDU9S7F

It has been a long time since the days we could safely have a potluck or other gatherings, but we have a fantastic deal perfect for once those times return. These double-decker Luncia dish carriers can be had for 65% off when you add promo code SDDU9S7F at checkout and clip the coupon on the site (it’s just below the price). These holders fit 9″x 13″ sized baking dishes.

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That means you can insulate and keep two dishes of food warm for only $11 instead of $30. What’s more, your Luncia carrier will arrive by Christmas if you order today as a Prime member.

Just add promo code SDDU9S7F and clip the 5% off coupon to bring the price down to $11 for the blue or the grey option.

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Grab this offer while it’s still around!

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Conquer Your Pup’s Dander and Fur With $700 Off a Cobalt or Charcoal Bobsweep PetHair Plus Robot Vacuum

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3 months ago

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November 1, 2020

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Best Home DealsBest Home DealsThe best home, kitchen, smart home, and automotive deals from around the web, updated daily.

Bobsweep PetHair Plus Robot Vacuum & Mop (Cobalt) | $200 | Best Buy

Bobsweep PetHair Plus Robot Vacuum & Mop (Charcoal) | $200 | Best Buy

Allergies can be bad enough as the seasons change. Don’t let pet hair and dander add to that by vacuuming it up early and often. That chore is easier said than done— unless you have a robot vacuum to do the work for you. This lovely bright cobalt Bobsweep PetHair Plus robot vacuum and mop, only $200 today at Best Buy seems like an ideal option. That’s a whopping $700 off, by the way.

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You can get the same deal for the charcoal version of the robot vac, too. This model is not only specially made for picking up pet hair, it self docks and charges when it’s finished with the work.

It also comes with a mop attachment, so it can take care of those kitchen floors for you as well. Grab it while it’s still available for this fantastic price!

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Apple will replace AirPods Pro for free with faulty noise cancellation, static or crackling

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3 months ago

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November 1, 2020

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Today, exactly one year after Apple first launched the AirPods Pro — and thus the same day the very first AirPods Pro owners will see their one-year warranties expire — Apple has launched a repair program that offers free repairs or replacements for another whole year if your AirPods Pro experience issues with noise cancellation or static.

Specifically, Apple will fix:

Crackling or static sounds that increase in loud environments, with exercise or while talking on the phone

Active Noise Cancellation not working as expected, such as a loss of bass sound, or an increase in background sounds, such as street or airplane noise

Apple says only a “small percentage of AirPods Pro” are affected by the issues, but it apparently wasn’t just an early batch — Apple says affected units were manufactured “before October 2020,” meaning every AirPods Pro ever made might be eligible. That’s quite a recall if so. Apple says it will repair faulty AirPods Pro for two years after you first buy them.

We’ve heard complaints about degraded noise cancellation before, and at least one Verge editor has replaced their AirPods Pro under warranty. It’s nice to hear that Apple isn’t just cutting buyers off as soon as that warranty expires.

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