Google’s New Web Browser - Google Chrome
Posted: September 4th, 2008
The biggest news this week is the release of Google’s new web browser, called “Google Chrome.” By some estimates, Google Chrome has already gained 1% of the browser market share in its inaugural unveiling a couple of days ago. This is comparable to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer with about 70% of the market, and Mozilla’s FireFox which has about 20% of the market. Apple’s Safari browser accounts for 6% of the remaining 10%.
Google Chrome undoubtedly received much attention for two main reasons: it’s developed by the big G and; it’s new. As with any technological device or system, novelty draws in crowds, and the Google seal of approval helped to raise awareness too. But will Chrome’s success continue? That is, can it be innovative and improve a user’s browsing experience, and will this translate to higher adoption of the browser? Chrome’s usage peaked at 1.48% yesterday, according to Net Applications, but is expected to hover around 1% after the dust settles.
From what I have seen from Google Chrome so far, it is minimalistic and lacking in useful features. This is compared to my experience on FireFox and a handful of trusty plugins. What I see in this first iteration of Chrome is a lightweight mobile browser. This view will likely diminish with future updates and increased functionality to the browser (hopefully soon). In the meantime, FireFox stays as my default web browser.
Why Google, Why?
Within the grand scheme of taking over the world, why has Google created its own browser? Some theories involve the gathering and analyzing of Internet usage patterns. This comes amidst already rising privacy concerns surrounding Google. It then follows that this data will be used for advertising which can be relevant, highly targeted, and be delivered timely - even if you aren’t on the Google network.
I don’t know if it’s a beta hiccup but my HD starts to chug tremendously when using Chrome… (and Flash makes CPU go to 100%)
I have been write this in some other forum, but maybe I will ask on here too
Since they launch it, I have problem using gmail with my FireFox, and that never happens for years of my experience using firefox and gmail, but these days they keep frozen and need a refresh before I can read my emails.
And you know what the help page told me? Please use browser that support gmail! WTF!!!
I found the same question that flashed past me when I learned about Chrome launch-Why a Browser? You have a very crisp answer, which possibly is what Google has in view.
I’m worrying about 3 things; Security (Check Google Blog for updates), Online Privacy (Check the Chrom’s EULA), and Hardware resources as mentioned in the 1st comment!