Chrome 31 beta for Android brings home screen shortcuts, search-friendly tabs (updated)

Now that Chrome 30 is done and dusted, Google has released Chrome 31 in beta -- and it's a big deal for Android users. The new browser lets users add iOS-like web shortcuts to the home screen, with specially optimized sites launching as full-screen web apps. Version 31 also brings the desktop client's search-focused tabs, and it begins the gradual rollout of a payment autocomplete feature that will spread to other platforms in the near future. Google is even throwing in a search speed boost through server-side code. If you're intrigued by any of the new additions, you'll find both the Android and desktop betas at the source links.

Update: To clarify, Chrome 31 is introducing a simple, direct method to put web shortcuts on the home screen.