Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Chrome is the lightweight flagship browser that originated from an open source project by Google called Chromium and Chromium OS. It is now one of the more widely used browsers thanks to a vast ecosystem of extensions and add-ons, a robust Javascript engine, and a rapid-release development cycle that keeps it on the competitive end of the curve.
Installation
Chrome's installation process is both straight-forward and self-sustaining. After downloading the installer, Chrome's installation process will launch with the standard practices of confirming system directories and a few click throughs. Google will also ask for your permission to anonymously collect usage stats, which can be opted out of.The self sustenance comes from 'channels' ; Once you install the Chrome browser, Google will automatically roll out updates silently in the background and keep your software updated with the latest versions.
Interface
Chrome's overall UI has remained stable since version 1.0: a minimal two row window with tabs resting above the address bar (Omnibox), 3 browser controls (Back, Forward, Stop/Reload), a star-shaped toggle for bookmarking, and settings icon. Users coming from older browsers might have to get used to not having a dedicated File menu layout but we found ourselves getting quickly adjusted.
As you install extensions, active icons will appear to the right of the address bar, but beyond that Google maintains strict restrictions on adding visible add-ons. That means no toolbars or any undesired overlays, which at one point was a widespread standard practice. Despite the limited customiseable options, Chrome is minimalist for a reason, and that results in a clean browsing experience with maximum use of screen estate for websites.
Features and Support
In addition to tabbed browsing, Chrome can be used as simply or as complex as you want, thanks to an impressive number of built-in tools, modes, hotkey functions, and more.
One popular feature is, of course, Incognito mode: Chrome's response to Mozilla's Private Browsing feature. Incognito opens a new window that disables history recording, tracking cookies, and reduces the amount of traceable breadcrumbs from your usage. Contrary to popular belief, it does not mean you can freely browse the web for illegal use as your ISP can still see your traffic activity... so stay out of trouble.
Under the hood, Chrome has some awesome features that make it very developer friendly: hardware acceleration for rendering 3D CSS effects, Google's own NaCl (Native Client) that allows secure execution of C and C++ codes within the browser, and an in house JavaScript engine that improves load times with every release.
Pressing F12 will open a dev console that allows you to view web code and quickly identify elements simply by highlighting the mouse over each line. You can also add your own HTML and CSS codes to render a page with custom styling.
Chrome also allows Google users to sync their accounts, which comes with added benefits like restoring saved bookmarks and extensions in the cloud no matter what device you're on.
Performance
Chrome is fast. Really fast. As of version 27, Chrome is powered by Google's own V8 JavaScript engine that renders pages at speeds that have been setting a standard for modern browsers. In addition, Google has been on the forefront of implementing best practices for HTML5 standards and though it's also currently running the widely used open-source Webkit engine, Google has also announced plans to move to Blink in the near future.
Wrap up
Google has relentlessly set the standard for speed, stability and security and Chrome's numerous version updates, as many as there are, have continued to complement its minimalist friendly design. It's no surprise that its market share continues to rise, especially when combined with its mobile cousin on Android. Regardless of who's faster, whether its user adoption or Chrome's own development team, Google's internet browser is one for the masses: casual user and developer alike.
More than just speed in Chrome:Publisher's Description
From Google:
Google Chrome is a browser that combines a minimal design with sophisticated technology to make the Web faster, safer, and easier. Use one box for everything--type in the address bar and get suggestions for both search and Web pages. Thumbnails of your top sites let you access your favorite pages instantly with lightning speed from any new tab. Desktop shortcuts allow you to launch your favorite Web apps straight from your desktop.
What's new in this version:
- Web pages load 5% faster on average
- chrome.syncFileSystem API
- Improved ranking of predictions, improved spell correction, and numerous fundamental improvements for Omnibox predictions. Please see the Help Center for more information on our updated policies.
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All versions:
3.4 starsout of 118 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
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"It's okay browser"
Version: Google Chrome 26.0.1410.65
Pros
It is fast. But that's not a plus point of this browser as there are other browsers available which are equally fast, Safari, iCab and Sleipnir and others. People overtly brag about its speed. Chrome does not even stand close to iCab and Sleipnir when it comes to features.
Cons
As everybody knows it logs users matrices. It also intrudes in Safari''s settings. When I installed it and ran for the first time i noticed it collected all Safari's history even though I had turned off import Browser history. It shows its bookmarks in Safari's Bookmarks Collection. Chrome should mind its own business.
All versions 25 and 26 of Chrome show beach balls for sometime. Its a big memory hog when multiple tabs are open.Summary
Have not found anything interesting about this browser.
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"Best browser I've used"
Version: Google Chrome 25.0.1364.172
Pros
Fastest browser on Mac OS X
Lots of free games and appsCons
Well there must be something
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"Ok, except for confusing histoy listing"
Version: Google Chrome 25.0.1364.152
Pros
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Cons
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"At What Price Performance"
Version: Google Chrome 25.0.1364.99
Pros
Though hardly heads above the other major players, Chrome is a solid, stable platform that performs well. On a par with anything else out there at this time.
Cons
Privacy. Or rather, lack thereof. Chrome is already infamous for following and logging practically your every key stroke, and using that information for its own benefit. The one brief paragraph on this subject, all but lost in the above review, is shameful considering how much Chrome uses your data beyond any other browser. This is a significant downside to Chrome, and deserved much more attention.
Summary
Chrome's so called privacy settings are a joke. No other browser follows and stores so much of what you do for the benefit of Google. What privacy settings there are barely limit the amount of information Google collects about everything you do and everywhere you go.
If you are okay with your entire life being an open book to Google, and with having no idea what Google will do with that information, by all means use it. It's a solid browser except for this one fatal flaw.
But if you are at all concerned about more and more of your life being mined by huge corporations who answer to no one, you would be insane to use this product. -
"I love it except the gobs of memory it uses on MACs"
Version: Google Chrome 25.0.1364.99
Pros
All the wonderful things about Chrome especially syncing across all my computers both PC and MAC. The multiple tabs and ability to check tabs opened on my other devices. Plays well with iPad and iPhone (those versions). It is too bad Google+ decided to steal all my pictures. It was a no brainer to use Google+ with Chrome but once they started just lifting my pictures without my permission bad google bad.
Cons
It eats gobs and gobs and gobs and gobs of memory. I had to add more RAM to run it. Now running 8Gig. And now it spins like a top.
Summary
This browser will frustrate MAC users who are running only 4Gig of RAM. It was worth it for me to upgrade to 8gig because I want to sync all my computers and tablets with Chrome on my MAC. I notice Firefox is lifting some things from Chrome now where the blank tab in Firefox now shows pages frequently visited. Ha! Every time I open Firefox is wants to add 15 things. Too much work. Chrome is effortless.
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"Is this the same browser? It's horrible!"
Version: Google Chrome 24.0.1312.57
Pros
None, it's a pain from the first time it opens.
Cons
1. Uses WAY too much RAM, with dozens of "Google Renderer" listings, adding up to over FOUR OR MORE GIGS OF RAM!
2. Keeps having all my keychain permission windows popping up, like a Sorcerer's Apprentice nightmare! And even when I allow it, it won't log me in to various sites!
3. It eventually just stops functioning, I click, nothing happens, try to open tabs, nothing happens, & it keeps telling me it can't open it due to "timing out".
4. A royal mess all around. I try it every six months or so, after updating it to newer versions, and just never improves...Summary
Don't know how in the world CNET calls this crappy browser "Spectacular", of course CNET also says the same about the new iTunes 11, which has met with pretty universal dissatisfaction from Apple users. This browser has always been a major frustration & waste of time....
Didn't see anywhere it asked, but this is for the most recent version, 24.
Updated on Feb 20, 2013 -
"The quickest browser"
Version: Google Chrome 23.0.1271.95
Pros
Very fast browser with lots of useful options.
Cons
It doesn't ask me where to save the file before download.
Summary
In general I like this browser and it's number one for me.
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"Chrome is great! But..."
Version: Google Chrome 23.0.1271.95
Pros
It really is Incredibly fast
Pretty darn Stable - Pages will crash now and then, but for the most part very good.
Flash Built in which is always a bonus
Add-onsCons
Each tab is a separate instance of Chrome.
Uses up a huge amount of memory - especially if you leave a tab open.Summary
It's a great system - and I like the fact that it's almost crash proof - but what that means, and what general users don't understand is that everything is a separate process. This means that while being almost crash proof (as a browser as a whole) It's incredibly RAM hungry!
It uses something like half of the ram I have available in an older MacBook Pro (4GB!) -
"Very Good with one MASSIVE flaw..."
Version: Google Chrome 23.0.1271.95
Pros
Fast (Chrome and Safari 6 run neck and neck)
Stable
Productive
Built-In FlashCons
Forces AMD Discrete Graphics in 2011 MacBook Pros
Summary
Google Chrome is a very refined browser, though I prefer Safari (just personal preference), but it has one MAJOR flaw that keeps me from ever using it...
Google Chrome forces my MacBook Pro's Discrete AMD Graphics which cuts my battery life by 40%-60% and causes overall system heating. I have read many posts (on Apple Discussions, MacRumors, and Google Discussions) on the issue, although I'm surprised more people don't complain about it. On any site that uses advanced graphics, Chrome forces hardware acceleration which kills battery life. Even cnet.com activates AMD with Chrome. . . really? I don't know if this issue affects 2012 Macs, but it is a serious issue for notebook users. Safari and FireFox do not do this.
You can check what your system is using by clicking the Apple>About This Mac>More Information. It should say Intel instead of AMD (Or Nvidia for new/pre 2011 Macs) unless you are using an intensive program like iPhoto or iMovie.
This is an unacceptable flaw that renders Chrome useless. -
"Was very disappointed!"
Version: Google Chrome 22.0.1229.94
Pros
None at this time
Cons
None at this time
Summary
Was very disappointed alot of things didn't work properly, but jus to be sure gonna try it again. Then I'll rate it.
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