Google launches new open-source ‘Chrome’ Web browser

by Stevie Smith - Sep 2 2008, 13:00

Google launches beta of Google Chrome open-source Web browser. Image: Google.

If you’re a fan of variety and versatility when it comes to the joys of Internet surfing, then chances are you have more than one Web browser shortcut presently nestled on your computer’s desktop. And, with the likes of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, Mozilla’s open-source Firefox and Apple’s Safari browsers to choose from, effective and enjoyable Net-based perusing is all-but guaranteed. But, hey, you can never have too much of a good thing, and so the creative boffins at Google would duly like to tickle your Net-surfing glands through this week’s beta arrival of Google Chrome, a brand new open-source browser available later today in more than 100 countries.“So why are we launching Google Chrome?” asks Google in its Chrome blurb. “Because we believe we can add value for users and, at the same time, help drive innovation on the web.”Claiming Chrome to be the culmination of a “start from scratch” ethos that builds on the “best elements” that are already available via online browsing, Google’s open-source solution is described as a complete “rethink” that is built specifically to host rich, interactive applications rather than just Web pages.“All of us at Google spend much of our time working inside a browser. We search, chat, email and collaborate in a browser. And in our spare time, we shop, bank, read news and keep in touch with friends -- all using a browser,” outlines Google. “Because we spend so much time online, we began seriously thinking about what kind of browser could exist if we started from scratch and built on the best elements out there.”

While offered up as an aesthetically “streamlined and simple” browsing alternative, Google is keen to point out that Chrome has been designed to handle the Web’s gamut of pages, sites and applications with that same “clean and fast” efficiency first experienced by users through the Google search homepage.Bolstered by isolated “sandbox” tabbing that prevents one tab from crashing another, Google claims Chrome also provides enhanced protection against rogue Web sites and includes a more powerful JavaScript V8 engine “to power the next generation of web applications that aren’t even possible in today’s browsers.”According to Google, Chrome also manages to improve “speed and responsiveness across the board,” although it fails to back that boast by comparing performance with the likes of IE, Firefox and Safari. The new open-source Google Chrome beta (for Windows systems only at this juncture) has been built using components of Apple’s WebKit and Mozilla’s Firefox, and is being released to prompt broad and constructive user discussion -- which it undoubtedly will -- to help Google amass as much vital feedback as quickly as possible.To further support its collaborative open-source approach, Google is making all of Chrome’s code open in an effort to source abilities across the entire development community “to help drive the web forward.” Google is also “hard at work” on versions of Chrome for computers running on Apple and Linux operating systems.Those interested in learning more about the motivation behind Chrome ahead of its release later today can do so by enjoying this specially-made online comic.

Comment on this Story

Interested in a more interactive TTH? Join our Facebook Group
Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter

Comment on this Story

Note our older Talkback system is still running below. We hope to import existing comments into the new system shortly. Guest posting is still allowed, however, you can now login with any number of social network accounts.

Talkback

Add your comment (no registration required)

page: 1

Steve Ragan - TTHSep 2nd, 2008 - 19:08:34

I'm on Chrome now...

As far as browsers go, this one is easy to use and navigate. Imported all my FF3 bookmarks, I also notice that the spell check for form boxes is still active. Options are easy to use. However, there isn't much option wise for you to configure.

Windows XP SP3 anyone using this on Vista?

Report this comment

Steve Ragan - TTHSep 2nd, 2008 - 19:17:31

Making a movie showing off Chrome...Interesting display, seems much faster when wandering the site (TTH)...Will post more details and information later.

Report this comment

sweetlorangelSep 2nd, 2008 - 19:59:49

love how fast it goes! however issues with missing tabs/links in my favorite game for me and a friend. also no support site found to ask about the problem! too bad. i will have to switch back.

Report this comment

Stevie Smith - TTHSep 2nd, 2008 - 20:14:10

Hmm, I'd say it's running equal speed to IE7 and Firefox 3 for me. Not that thrilled with the Web page delivery. Font is a little shaky looking for my liking, IE is sharper.

I do like the simplicity though. And, it hasn't crashed yet, which IE8 did repeatedly when I tried that earlier today. Every time I opened my Bookmarks it committed suicide.

Needless to say I dumped it for IE7 after about 20 crashes.

Happy to keep using Chrome though. Seems pretty stable as is.

Report this comment

CFC -JosHay......Sep 3rd, 2008 - 00:05:17

logo is more like the upgraded pokemon with three monster combination. please google use your money and brain throw some money out there to designed the browser logo for your company or maybe entire world then the prize either vacation or car or something......

Report this comment

Sandra,VaJan 24th, 2009 - 22:08:16

I am using Chrome on Vista. Can I save more than one homepage like i did in IE7? I can bring them up but when I log out and bring Chrome back up the web sites are not saved. Help!

Report this comment

page: 1

Add your comment (no registration required)

Software

Google launches new open-source ‘Chrome’ Web browser

Comment on this Story

Talkback

Latest

Latest Articles on Monsters&Critics

In The Tech Herald

Site

The Fine Print