Google's New Web Browser - Chrome!

Google has finally introduced its own version of the web browser and created a whole new level of competition for the other majors players. Before now, it has been Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Mozilla's Firefox, and Apple's Safari battling over the top spot with Opera 9 trying to keep up among internet surfers. All that has changed now that Google has unleashed a beta (public trial version) of their new browser called "Chrome." I've just began using it the past couple of days and I must say, it is very impressive. Being an Internet Explorer must die advocate and a diehard Fire Fox user, I found myself hesitant to download Google's latest invention. However, I found myself wanting to try new, innovative things-and I'm glad I did!

All the current browsers dominating your computer screens each have their own share of problems. I have found Internet Explorer to be too buggy and inconsistent with HTML standards, Safari looks nice but is too slow, and Fire Fox randomly crashes and sometimes loads pages incorrectly. So far I have found only minor flaws, unlike those of previous browsers, with Google's Chrome.

Chrome is unconventional to say the least. The address bar doubles as a search box and each tab contains its own. To use it, you simply type a URL or search terms, similar to Google's search, and it will supply you with some suggestions. Press enter and it will either lead you to the URL or search for the terms you entered, which is very useful.

Chrome is visually and operationally minimalistic. You automatically get a sense of this when you first look at the interface. Many of the buttons and menus are eliminated to reinforce Google's claim of a more "sleek" web browser. Google also says Chrome is "faster, safer, and more reliable" than the traditional web browsers we have been exposed to. After using it for a few days, I can support Google's claims that it is noticeably faster, and it hasn't crashed once, making it reliably indeed. As of right now, I am oblivious to the security features but that certainly doesn't mean they aren't present. I'm sure more details and features will be explained after it gets out of beta testing.

A great aspect of Chrome's version of tabbed browsing is that each tab runs independently. That means, unlike Fire Fox which constantly "must close," Chrome doesn't have to completely close if you open a page with bad code. You can also open several tabs and the speed of the browser is unaffected.
Chrome has taken your web history to a new level with its default "home" page. Each time you visit a webpage, a screenshot of the page is taken and place on your home page as a history item. You then simply click the square from your most popular web visits and it takes you right to it. This feature may make you nervous if you are a private browser, but fear not-Chrome also has an anonymous browsing mode, which lets you browse the web without anyone seeing your web history.

While Google Chrome seems great, there are a couple of noteworthy disadvantages so far in the beta version. For instance, Chrome doesn't have an add-on feature, which is promised to be added in the future. Browsers like Fire Fox and Opera 9 have become increasingly more popular due to their ability to support user add-ons so it would be wise for Google to invest in that feature. Another aspect that might upset your stomach is that Google is constantly monitoring your usage, which they already do at a high level. While this will ultimately provide users with better service and target advertising, it also invades user privacy.

Ultimately, I am incredibly impressed with Google's new tool and will continue to use it until I find some reason not to. Take my advice, and give Google Chrome a spin.