For years there have been rumors that Google would eventually create their own Web browser to compete with Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and others. Now, it appears that the big G has finally done it; Google has just put the finishing touches on its new web browser called “Chrome.”
Google unveiled the new Chrome Web browser this week. According to Google representatives, Chrome will be an open source-based browser, and will include many of the best features of Firefox, Safari, Opera and even Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.
One of the most exciting features of the new Web browser is an included JavaScript virtual machine that Google is calling “V8.” The script will reportedly render web pages faster and provide a host of built-in features to Google Chrome. The new browser will also include tabs, much like the critically acclaimed Firefox browser, but in an original twist, Google has elected to place the tabs above the address bar, something not seen in any other web browser to date.
One of the most innovative and exciting features of Chrome, however, is its privacy mode. This allows users to create a separate browsing window to surf the Web while maintaining no record or history of the web sites visited anywhere on the users computer. Privacy advocates should be thrilled with this particular feature, as it ensures that no one can “back track” where you have been online.
Chrome will also offer the ability to launch specific applications in their own independent web browser, without an address bar. The browser will also include a myriad of features to protect against information phishing and other malware.
With Google jumping headfirst into the “browser wars,” things are sure to get interesting. The big question on many Internet experts minds is whether Google will pull users away from Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser, which still has the lion’s share of the market, though it is facing increasing competition from Firefox, Safari, Opera and others.
Of course, it is possible that instead of stealing customers from Internet Explorer, Google Chrome could siphon off users of Firefox and the other second-tier browsers, leaving Google and Microsoft as the two online superpowers. Most analysts agree this outcome is the least preferable from a user’s point of view. A better scenario might be for Google to cut into Microsoft’s vast advantaged online, resulting in a more level playing field among both the big players and the smaller startups.
For now, there’s no way of knowing just how popular Google Chrome will be. Google’s reputation for providing sturdy, well thought out solutions will no doubt help them garner users. If Chrome becomes anywhere near as popular as Google’s Gmail, Microsoft could be in for a bumpy ride.
I downloaded Chrome on my PC the day it became available. I love many of its features, and I love its premise. Firefox will still be my browser of choice until 1) the plug-ins I’ve come to rely on are made available for Chrome and 2) it’s available for the Mac. :)
Comment by Web-Betty — September 5, 2008 @ 7:46 pm