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Google Chrome shines
Google has released the beta version of a new browser, Chrome. In its comic-book pre-announcement, Google stated correctly that watching videos, chatting, and even playing Web-based games didn't exist when browsers were first invented. For the user, Google wants the browser to disappear and to focus on the applications and pages users are viewing, rather than on the border with its tools, and such. Google has rethought the Internet browser--some of its basic underpinnings are quite novel--but users will recognize some features as they exist in other, open-source browsers on the market today.
At the moment, only the Windows version of Chrome is available for download. Plans call for Mac OS X and Linux versions in the near future. That said, Google has released Chrome in 43 languages and in 122 countries.
Chrome is based on the open-source project Webkit, the same rendering engine used by Apple Safari. If a page renders in Safari, it will render in Chrome. Webkit is also the basis for Android, Google's mobile platform, so it seems that Google is planning to use Chrome in mobile environments.
For more details, see the Chrome First Take on CNET.
The interface in Chrome is very different from other browsers and takes a little getting used to. Instead of the traditional Netscape/IE-style toolbar across the top, Chrome uses tabs. Moreover, the tabs are detachable, so the terms "tabs" and "windows" become interchangeable within Chrome. Detached tabs can be dragged and dropped into the browser, and tabs can be rearranged at any time.
(Credit: Robert Vamosi / CNET)
As CNET's resident security expert, Robert Vamosi has been interviewed on the BBC, CNN, MSNBC, and other outlets to share his knowledge about the latest online threats and to offer advice on personal and corporate security. Listen to his podcast at securitybites.cnet.com or e-mail Robert with your questions and comments. 
From the performance alone I cannot wait to switch form FF3. I can't believe I just typed that but I did!
Nothing all that different, just the fact that Google are using a prefabbed browser engine to throw some of their "magic" on top, with features that are existing in all the other browsers. Same thing as Camino on the Apple platform - rebranded FIrefox with a few nice extra features.
Thanks,
Mark
Come to type about it, exactly how do you put add-ons on the thing? Or different themes? It's not immediately apparent, what with this quasi-IE7 look to it all. Then again I was surprised to note for all the hype about this thing, this "beta release" is version 0.2.149.27! In my humble, calling an app that's just a little north of version ZERO-POINT-TWO a beta release is a tad presumptuous. These things may come with future versions.
Anyhow, third: I miss my search box. Dunno 'bout y'all, but I've taken to that wonderful little thing quite lustily. It's changed my web shopping habits so much I don't remember quite how I did without it. It's more than a little addictive when all you have to do is put the search terms into the box, then just swap engines and hit enter to get all the varied results from Amazon, Price Grabber, Shopzilla, etc. I can't imagine how this "Omnibar" can match that.
And what's this I read on Vamosi's quick take that you CAN'T retrieve an accidentally closed tab? Yep, you sure can't! Maybe that's necessitated by the app's architecture, but I'm constantly popping tabs back open (lots easier than re-surfing). Bit of a strike there. But then how does it remember ALL the tabs you last had open when you re-start? Bit of a non-sequitur there as well. Ah, there's another one: just swapped the search box to OneLook.com to check the spelling of non-sequitur. Though it seems that a drag-'n-drop to the "Omnibar" works almost as well. Interesting that it has its own Task Manager. Replacement OS much, Google? ;)
Anyhow, more than a bit of a work in progress. If it does kick the other browsers into a higher gear, so much the better. And straight out, Firefox didn't close the deal with me till the 1.0 release, so I'll be fair and withhold final judgment (if there's such a thing with apps!) till then.
Secondly, the interface is clean but in some ways a bit limited. I am a bit tired of the Google look (hospital white and arial/verdana). its needs some slight contrast in color before you are blinded by all the white.
Thirdly, although tabs are the "it" thing, many of us still use bookmarks and the bookmark tool and its placement are horrible. At least give me the option to move the bookmarks to the center or left. Having it on the far right is just stupid as all hell.
For a first run its not bad. Speed is pretty good but it definitely could use some improvment. Its nothing yet to pull me away from FF or even IE7
Perfect timing!
MS goes back to drawing board, IE 8 has requires rework, Firefox has time to fight it out on speed, consolidate on the addons.
As of now I have two default browers ;)
General websurfing = Chrome
Secured banking = Firefox
Surely Addons + Chrome ver xxx = unbeatable....
Good job Google
It told me to login in using the login box, but there was no login box.
How broken is that?
- by man-street September 3, 2008 3:51 AM PDT
- from ware i can download it
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