settings
Google Chrome to make your settings searchable
As Chrome continues its evolution from mere browser into a 'platform,' the settings pages will likely see more and more customization options added. Some pages -- like Under the Hood -- are already getting quite lengthy, so adding an option to search certainly makes sense. [Don't forget Firefox's filterable about:config, too! -Ed]
Chrome's settings search is not hooked up at the moment, hence my homage to Celebrity Jeopardy.
Chrome code shows beginning of Google Dashboard integration
Many of you might not even be aware that you have a Google Dashboard -- but it's there, even if you're not using it. In essence, it's a single, centralized location to manage various settings for the myriad of Google services you're signed up for -- Gmail, AdSense, Blogger, Buzz, Picasa Web, YouTube, etc.
When it was unveiled back in November of 2009, I figured it would integrate nicely with Android and Chrome OS -- and a recent change in the Chromium source code has brought that integration one step closer to reality. Currently hidden behind a command line switch is the Privacy Dashboard link, which pops the link in just below your Chromium sync options on the Personal Stuff tab.
Right now the link sends you to google.com, but eventually it will point to google.com/dashboard -- likely once the Chrome options appear on that page. As Google continues to blur the line between native apps and Web apps, the Dashboard will become the Google equivalent of the Windows control panel or Mac System Preferences.
Managing all your online, handheld, and netbook settings on one web page? Sign me up!