Google Chrome
Earlier today, Google launched a new WebKit-based browser called Chrome.
I have spent a little time with Chrome this afternoon. It certainly is fast and seems to offer a very “light” user experience, as promised by the lead developers on the Chrome project. While there is much discussion swirling around Chrome today, there is much more still to come.
The most significant question is whether or not Google’s browser can take significant market share in the modern-day browser war. It is quite doubtful that Chrome can unseat the ubiquitous Internet Explorer, at least until we see something extraordinary occur. It might actually slow the growth of browsers like Firefox and Safari, but could at least increase the rate that alternative browsers as a whole chip away at Microsoft’s 72% majority share in this market
Chrome is currently available for Windows only. There are plans to release versions of the browser for OS X and Linux.
Download Google Chrome | Chrome Information Compiled at Wikipedia
Tagged: google, chrome, browser, webkit
Will Johnston
2008-09-03 0926hrs
I was wondering where you got the 72% number. Everything I’ve seen is much lower than that, but I haven’t been able to find anything reliable.
Zack Rippy
2008-09-03 1029hrs
David,
I heard some interesting commentary on the radio about Chrome. The reviewer was stating that Chrome didn’t need to capture significant market share - it was all about opening up features and standards in the browser that make apps like Gmail, Google Maps and Docs work more quickly and effectively online. Once those applications can be more powerful, they immediately become more attractive as alternatives to Microsoft Office, etc. If Google captures a small amount of the browser market share with Chrome, yet the pressure forces certain feature implementations in other browsers, Google wins. The point was that Google might not really care how many people use Chrome, so long as Chrome’s AJAX-friendly environment forces other browsers to become more friendly to web-based applications. If that happens, Google wins…regardless of how many people adopt Chrome. :)
Anyways, it was an interesting perspective.
I’ve installed and played a bit and it seems nice so far. It won’t replace Firefox for me anytime soon, but it seems like a nice first offering.
Stephen Elliot
2008-09-03 1128hrs
I’ve been curious to hear your thoughts about Chrome. You certainly have a better understanding than most about this sort of thing, so I, for one, definitely appreciate hearing your opinion. Keep writing! =)
hanna
2008-09-04 0518hrs
I just read the Download Google Chrome Fast [link removed by site owner] Article. I think i still doubt googles plan on this one. I will just use my firefox. Lets see what others may say after few days.
Owner’s note: I consider this comment spam. Feel free to blacklist IP address 121.96.233.161 on your own site as well.
David Russell
2008-09-04 1046hrs
Will Johnston Net Applications results in August
Keep in mind that a lot of numbers that circulate are from single site metrics published by the owners. It confuses the already muddy waters of web analysis and often skews toward a more positive number for alternative browsers due to the geek factor of those sites’ audiences.
Zack That is a terrific observation and one of the more astute assessments of the day. That really helps clarify the practical nature of this decision for Google and proves they have essentially created a win-win, provided they reach at least a strong enough market share to bring change to the competition.
Stephen I’m trying to deliver more content these days. I like the freedom I’ve gained by the new organizational structure of the site. I’m not as compelled to write “articles” as much since I can simply “post” fast thoughts like the above. Now I just need to push more content into the photograph space. :)
hanna Nifty spam technique. I haven’t seen that approach. But you aren’t welcome here. Enjoy the blacklist. Peace out.