FreeSMUG Updater for Chromium (Mac)

Name: FreeSMUG Updater for Chromium (Mac)
Rating: 3.361111111111111 (36 reviews)
Author: stullig

Check for, download and install the latest stable Chromium revisions

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The FreeSMUG Updater for Chromium (Mac) is a handy browser extension designed to ensure Mac users have the latest stable versions of Chromium from FreeSMUG.org. Since the original FreeSMUG builds' auto-update feature broke in 64bit versions, this extension serves as a reliable workaround, automatically checking for and installing updates.

Key features include automatic update checks at startup and hourly intervals, notifications for version mismatches, and an additional check for the latest official Chrome Stable version based on the release calendar. Designed with inspiration from popular Chromium updaters, this extension enhances Chromium maintenance efficiently and effortlessly on Mac devices.

Extension Productivity Developer Tools

By:

stullig

Users:

840 2

Rating:

3.36

(36)

Version:

0.1.1.4 Last updated: 2018-08-16

Creation date:

2018-06-20

Risk:

Permissions:

storage
notifications
https://sourceforge.net/projects/osxportableapps/*
https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/*
https://omahaproxy.appspot.com/*

Size:

99.53KB

Full description:

Source:

Chrome Web Store

Data ingested on:

2025-07-07

Ranking

# 31,522 ▲ 74

Other rankings

#3492 in Developer Tools ▼ 7

User reviews

Users find the FreeSMUG Updater useful for its intended Mac Chromium updating function, appreciating its convenience and basic operation. However, several users note it does not support Windows or Linux correctly, yet is still displayed for these systems leading to confusion and failed updates. The extension's version update is lagging behind Chromium releases, and it lacks clear notifications for new updates. Additionally, some express security concerns due to granted permissions. Overall, it works on Mac but has significant limitations and usability issues for non-Mac users.

Pros

The extension generally works as intended for updating Chromium on Mac.
It functions well according to user expectations regarding update checks.
Users appreciate the effort behind the extension and its basic functionality.
Convenient updating tool for those using Chromium on Mac.
Simple and effective for its proposed purpose.

Cons

The extension only supports Mac but is available to download on other OS like Windows and Linux, causing confusion.
Auto-updating may not function fully; updates lag behind official Chromium versions and updating manually is sometimes needed.
The extension does not provide clear or obvious notifications when new browser updates are available.
Security concerns noted due to 'Full access' permissions, especially with synced Chrome profiles.
Downloads Mac update files even when used on Windows systems, causing failures to update properly.

Recent reviews

It works. However, the version here is a rev behind: Chromium ships with ver. 0.1.1.5, and latest here (for several years now) is 0.1.1.4. But if you side-load the newer one in Developer Mode, it will not auto-update. Yet the version here isn't updated, so the auto-updating of the extension is being defeated anyway. It's a Procrustean choice. I also don't like that the extension just sits there. While it will auto-run at every Chromium start (would be better if it did this at every start *on a different day* than the last time it was run) it does not appear to actually inform you if a browser update is available. The user has to remember to check the extension to see if there's a new version. Maybe there's some subtle change to the icon, but it needs to be a be a much more obvious one, like what various messenger extensions do.

Da*****, 2019-12-16

This addon gets "Full access" to your google account if you install it on a Synced Chrome Profile. If you uninstall the extension it still retains "Full access" to all the data in your google account. Sketchy, be careful!

aK*****, 2019-08-08

Funciona bem, conforme o que se propõe. It works well, according to what is proposed.

Ro*****, 2019-04-08

View all user reviews ›

Extension safety

Risk impact

Risk impact measures the level of extra permissions an extension has access to. A low risk impact extension cannot do much harms, whereas a high risk impact extension can do a lot of damage like stealing your password, bypassing your security settings, and accessing your personal data. High risk impact extensions are not necessarily malicious. However, if they do turn malicious, they can be very harmful.

FreeSMUG Updater for Chromium (Mac) requires a few sensitive permissions. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk impact analysis details

Critical Request access to the following domains: {{requestedDomains}}
Medium ******* ******* ************* ***** *** ** ******* *** **** ******* ****** ******** *******

Risk likelihood

Risk likelihood measures the probability that a Chrome extension may turn malicious. This is determined by the publisher and the Chrome extension reputation on Chrome Web Store, the amount of time the Chrome extension has been around, and other signals about the Chrome extension. Our algorithms are not perfect, and are subject to change as we discover new ways to detect malicious extensions. We recommend that you always exercise caution when installing a Chrome extension.

FreeSMUG Updater for Chromium (Mac) has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.

Risk likelihood analysis details

High This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.
Low **** ********* *** ******* **** **** * ****** **** ***** ******** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
Low **** ********* *** ***** **** **** * ****** **** ***** ********** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
Good **** ********* *** **** **** *******

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