Google Chrome: Next-Gen Web Browser Released!

[Mike Ryan]

[imgflt=right]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/74/Google_Chrome_Logo.jpg[/imgflt]

Announcement Article - Wikipedia Page - Comic Book - Read on Google Blog

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

I was just talking to David Atwell over IM when I recieved a crazy email about Google Chrome, a new web browser. It was meant to be announced on September 3rd with the Beta Release coming out the day before the announcement however one blogger managed to get their announcement comic the day before the Beta Release and as such it was announced on the Google Blog. Obviously this is quite big and so I wanted to know your thoughts before the beta is actually released and after you get your hands on the new software. Do you think this is a big move for Google? Do you believe tis is the right company to release a standards compliant browser? Do you think the features will compell you enough to make a switch?

[LJXD]

:shock: :shock:

Sounds pretty sweet, i cant wait to get my hands on it.

I'm worried for Mozilla though, and the web in general. They practically can be seen from nearly every webpage, geting into the browser will be the next big step.

[barnold]

I just read the entire comic, and it sounds AWESOME! I especially like the part about each tab getting its own process!!!

[Simon Brown]

Although I am looking forward to testing this, I will not use it as my full-time browser given Google's track record, when I have read the links, I will comment further. This could also be bad news for Firefox and Opera, given the revenue they earn from sporting a Google search box.

[david.atwell]

I sincerely doubt that Google will be removing their support for search boxes in Firefox. They're making a TON in ad revenue there, and I can't see them turning from that.

[Simon Brown]

Those who live in the United States can apparently download a BETA version here.

[Mike Ryan]

Nope, doesn't work in the US. Nobody has it yet.

[Simon Brown]

When I click that link it redirects me to Google.com, so I was suspicious as no error-message was shown, although according to another article it will be availible in "over 100 countries". Does anyone know of a release date?

[Mike Ryan]

Today is when it is supposed to be released.

[david.atwell]

It's only seven a.m. in California right now.

[barnold]

Google is holding a press conference today at 11 am California time about google Chrome. I assume, then, that Google Chrome will be released either during, or more likely, shortly after. I am not even excited this much about my wedding next spring! (JK! I am much more psyched about that than some web browser!)

[david.atwell]

The interesting thing in my mind is Microsoft. The gap between IE6 and IE7 was five years; IE7-IE8 is going to be a little over two (IE8 is due by the end of the year). I think it's directly related to the popularity of Firefox- I wonder now if, seeing Chrome, Firefox, and Opera in its rear-view mirror (and coming closer!), Microsoft is going to boost their IE team even more.

This is certainly going to be the year of the browser. Firefox 3, Opera 9.5, IE8, and Chrome. Even Safari released a developer version of their 4th edition this year. (Bleagh)

Just wow. :-)

[Simon Brown]

In my opinion, Google would have benefited greatly from including a feature that does the same job as Mozilla Prism (Wiki this) in Chrome.

[Simon Brown]

Now Availible

[barnold]

Now Availible

And let me tell you, it is fast! I love it!

[Simon Brown]

Welcome Page

Screenshot 2

Screenshot 3

[Mike Ryan]

First five minutes of Chrome: Wow! Javascript is amazing, of course, and the browser acts like a good mixture between Opera and Firefox. Worth the download big time!

[Simon Brown]

Screenshot 4

Screenshot 5

Screenshot 6

[harold]

Acid3 result: 75/100 (disappointing for a google product really..)

edit: it magically changed to 78 (still disappointing, and how did it change?!)

[Mike Ryan]

Acid3 result: 75/100 (disappointing for a google product really..)

It is the first public release and it is a new JavaScript rendering engine. Of course it isn't going to be perfect :?

[harold]

They could have gone through a greater effort

Something like 85+ would have been cool

[barnold]

They could have gone through a greater effort

Something like 85+ would have been cool

Honestly, I could care less what they rate it. I love it, and will refuse to go back to Firefox or IE until they start to implement some of Chrome's features, such as its speed!

[Simon Brown]

1. Could the thread title be changed to "Google Chrome: "Next-Gen" Web Browser released?

2. I suggest a poll asking whether people have not downloaded it, are only trying it, must download as they create websites or are planning to use it as their main browser.

[Simon Brown]

such as its speed!

It is certainly very simple in terms of the interface!

[Simon Brown]

I have changed all but one of the screenshots to links to reduce loading times. Those who wish to see all together can do so here.