Google updated its Chrome browser's developer's builds to version 5 for Windows and Mac today, the first time any version of Chrome has reached that milestone. Google was expected to push version 5 out to the public before the end of the month. Unlike the more recent versions of developer's build 4.x, the developer's builds of Chrome 5.x seems to be starting off to a rough start.

(Credit: Screenshot by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)

Some themes don't appear to be fully compatible, and the screenshot demonstrates unusual starbursts behind the toolbar buttons, a blank new tabs page, and the Page menu icon has been replaced by the Tools menu icon. It is likely that users will see other problems in the build until Google irons out all the new kinks. Since this is the developer's build, not many users will be affected by the problems, but it's interesting to note that features that haven't been broken in a long time are not working as perfectly as intended.

The new version number comes with a number of bug fixes and some new features, as well. The Content Settings window in the Options menu makes its debut, with in-depth tweaks for cookies, images, JavaScript, plug-ins, and pop-ups. Mostly, these tweaks allow users to block sites from using those tools. The cookies tweaks are more granular, and a non-functional link implies that users will be able to customize Adobe Flash player storage settings in the near future.

Another change in the Windows version is that it should now save downloads to the default downloads folder, unless it's been set to the desktop. The Mac version has received more improvements, including better plug-in stability and a search field for the cookies manager, but not the content settings window.