Following the release of Google Chrome 17, the Chrome team has announced the release of the Google Chrome Beta 18. Bringing interactive graphics and 3D  to the web users seems to be the USP of this release with increasing focus on WebGL although Linux users might have to wait a bit longer to get to see them.

The Chrome team recently announced the arrival of Chrome 18 to the Beta Channel for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome Frame.

Chrome 18 contains some really great improvements including GPU accelerating 2D Canvas, and enabling 3D content for older GPUs. 

More Focus on Improved Snazzier Graphics

According to the Chromium Blog, Windows and Mac users will be able to experience smoother and faster rendering of canvas-based animations.

They have also made it a point to mention that this is still a tricky issue as hardware rendering is complicated by the numerous variety of hardware and operating system configurations. 

As for older GPU's, the new beta version will be able to bring 3D content to them via SwiftShader which is a software rasterizer and its the next best thing to having a real GPU. 

The new improvements are mostly for Mac and Windows users and Linux users still wont be able to get hold of the new graphics partly due to the problem of 3D driver support, particularly the MESA Drivers. 

Download the creaky Beta version of Google Chrome.