AdventuresInVista
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Google Chrome - Should you bother?
11 September 2008 in Browser Wars | Comments enabled

Google recently released the first beta version of Chrome, their open-source web browser project. Currently, it’s available for Windows XP and Vista only, with MacOS / Linux versions in the works.

Naturally I’ve installed it on a couple of my boxes to see what all the fuss is about. Here’s a screenshot…

So, what’s the verdict?

Well, first I have to say its REALLY fast. Like, ridiculously so. When you compare it to IE or even Firefox, the difference in speed is incredible.

Apart from that though, it’s not all that great. Nice interface, nice idea, but honestly Google, did you really think it was ready to be used by the world at large?!

Many sites I’ve tried aren’t working properly - even the ones which Google has designed Chrome for (the new web applications - web 2.0 if you like).

What’s more interesting though is the talk of why Google has decided to branch out into software, and particularly web browsers. Do they think they can compete against IE? Firefox can’t, so why should Google be any different? Or are they, like many commentators are indicating, worried that their whole revenue stream relies on advertising, which Microsoft could block in IE if it wished?

Personally, I think the latter is unlikely… can you imagine the anti-trust problems that would create?! Microsoft certainly don’t want to go there again.

So, why have they done it!? Why not share your thoughts (and your opinions on Chrome itself) in the comments?

You can find out more and download Google Chrome from www.google.com/chrome.

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