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Google Chrome: Is Google planning to release a web browser?
But Philipp Lenssen at Google Blogoscoped has posted a comic book which he says comes straight from Google which seems to indicate that the search engine giant will indeed release a browser soon. Reportedly called Google Chrome, the browser will be based on the open source Webkit rendering engine. So what would Google Chrome have that you can't find in other web browsers?
- Includes a brand new JavaScript virtual machine called V8
- Tabs wil go above the window, not below the address bar
- Location bar will support auto-complete functions and suggests web pages you've previously visited as well as suggested sites you haven't
- Upon launch, you'll see an Opera-like speed dial with bookmarks and thumbnails for up to web sites
- There will be a privacy mode that allows you to surf without saving any personal history (Microsoft is building a similar feature into Internet Explorer 8)
- The browser will constantly download up to date information about web sites with malicious code
While I'm surprised to see Google getting into the browser space, I can't say I'm disappointed. It'll take a lot of work for any company to take market share away from Microsoft and Mozilla. But if anyone can do it, or at least offer some innovative ideas for the competition to copy, it's Google.
Update: It's official. Google is releasing a beta of Google Chrome for Windows tomorrow.
Comments
39
Subscribe to commentsEricSep 1st 2008 2:57PM
I'll try just about any free browser I come across, but it doesn't mean I'll use it full-time.
jamespwSep 1st 2008 3:35PM
This might be hard for us who love both Mozilla and Google.
jsSep 2nd 2008 7:29AM
yeah, we love both of you .. (FF & Google)
QuikboySep 1st 2008 4:29PM
"There will be a privacy mode..."
'Google' and 'privacy'?! Those two words can't possibly go together! Are we talking about the company that just loves to get info. on users to hand over to the advertisers? Or the search term?
I'd be very surprised. Heck, even Firefox has some Google code and cookies embedded into the browser that Google might use : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefox#Relationship_with_Google
As for the other features, I could always just get an add-on or extension on any other browser.
Good luck, Google. Competition is good.
CalSep 1st 2008 6:39PM
It's open source. So if there does happen to be malicious code in it, it'll be found.
ImzyosSep 1st 2008 4:54PM
In my opinion... No recently Google extends the deal with Mozilla for 3 years more
keevesSep 1st 2008 5:50PM
officially announced - http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/fresh-take-on-browser.html
release date tomorrow (Tuesday)
Gardiner WestboundSep 1st 2008 5:57PM
If you're concerned about privacy sandbox your browser.
www.sandboxie.com
ThekidslepthereSep 1st 2008 9:36PM
Anyone else think this will be packaged with Android phones? That might be big.
I wonder if corporate synergy is at work here.
Christina WarrenSep 2nd 2008 9:42AM
Android is actually using WebKit (essentially, Mobile Safari, same as the iPhone, with some modification, naturally), but that's what Chrome will be using too, so it'll be interesting to see how similar to the two are.
melancholiacSep 1st 2008 9:38PM
I think one of the reasons, other than the obvious ones stated above, as to why they want their own browser, is because IE is supposedly putting in stuff that are more Microsoft-centric in terms of search and other features that will negatively impact Google and its apps.
Keith EvansSep 1st 2008 9:38PM
Another great idea, maybe, perhaps. I think a Google browser will fit in a niche market just like Gmail did/does. I mean, nearly everyone has a gmail account but rarely is it their main account. The Google browser may offer something that Firefox doesn't, who knows? I'm looking forward to it.
SerenitySep 1st 2008 9:39PM
As much as I like Google, I think I'll be sticking with FireFox.
Hill BillySep 1st 2008 10:10PM
U all fail epicly go get a job or get laid
Victor Agreda, Jr.Sep 2nd 2008 7:10AM
Thekidslepthere I think that's exactly what'll happen, if not immediately then soon (software updates!). This is big because Google's cred can buy into the mass market.
edwardSep 2nd 2008 12:22AM
Nice, will definitely try it out. I expect several stories about the browser tomorrow on DLS a first look, a post first hour and then an in depth review later.
kingkool68Sep 1st 2008 10:34PM
First images have been leaked - http://blogoscoped.com/archive/2008-09-02-n72.html
Looks very IE7 like.
Chirag ChamoliSep 1st 2008 10:39PM
I think google is on the verge of becoming microsoft :( , Instead of just working with Firefox and Innovating on the present browser they are creating a new one so that they can utilize the Adsense… ?? Kinda off pisses me off what google is becoming.
QuikboySep 2nd 2008 7:31AM
Don't you mean on the verge of becoming Apple?
If anyone is looking into getting more control on users, and becoming less partner-friendly, it's Apple. Microsoft has mainly been an enabler for companies by selling its software solutions for other companies to use to work with and sell. Just count the number of hardware companies using Microsoft's OS. Just my opinion.
waqasbadarSep 1st 2008 10:44PM
From where I can download Chrome browser?