Google Chrome

Google's new web browser, called Chrome was released a few weeks ago in Beta (web speak for not quite finished yet). What has Chrome got to offer that Internet Explorer or Firefox doesn't already do? Here's a quick rundown of Chrome features :

One box for everything

Web search, browsing history, address bar. Suggestions as you type. One box aims to serve all your browsing needs. Firefox has a similar feature but only suggests previously visited pages in the address bar, and has a seperate search box which offers search suggestions. Internet Explorer 8, Microsofts latest browser also uses the one box approach, but has a seperate seach box, presumably in case people prefer it that way. 

New Tab Page

Every time you open a new browsing tab, you'll see small previews of your nine most visited sites, a list of your most recent bookmarks, a search box, and your recently closed tabs. Currently there is no way to configure this page but expect in the future this new tab page to be a lot more like Google's personalised homepage, with add-in widgets that you can change at will. As it stands, some people may find this page useful, others may not. 

Application Shortcuts

With the growth in online applications, Google Docs being amongst the most popular the browser is becoming more than just something to browser the internet. Chrome anticipates this and allows you to create shortcuts on your desktop to your favourite web applications without having to even open the browser. 

Dynamic Tabs

You can drag tabs out of the browser to create new windows, gather multiple tabs into one window or arrange your tabs however you wish -- quickly and easily. This is pretty useful if you're the kind of person who has a lot of tabs open at once, and needs to keep them grouped in some semblance of relevance, or order. 

Crash Control

Every tab you're using is run independently in the browser, so if one tab crashes it won't crash the entire browser. There is some concern that with many tabs open this will cause your computer to slowdown, but so far I've seen no evidence of this. Even with a dozen tabs open Chrome seems fast and problem free. When something has caused a tab to crash, I've been able to keep working on my other tabs, and pressing CTRL-SHIFT-T brings back your most recently closed tab, so very little time is lost. 

Incognito Mode

Don't want pages you visit to show up in your web history? Choose incognito mode for private browsing. Internet Explorer 8 has a similar feature called InPrivate browsing. 

Firefox does not have a mode for this, but instead relies on you to choose when to clear your private data. Not a feature that has much practical use unless you're up to no good, but nice to include just in case. 

Safe Browsing

Google Chrome warns you if you're about to visit a suspected phishing, malware or otherwise unsafe website. Most other browsers also have this feature, so nothing really new here, and has become an expected safety feature. 

Instant Bookmarks

Want to bookmark a web page? Just click the star icon at the left edge of the address bar and you're done. You do have the option to edit the bookmark and move it to a different folder. There is no comprehensive Bookmark manager and for compulsive organisers this is definitely missed. 

Importing settings

When you switch to Google Chrome, you can pick up where you left off with all the bookmarks and passwords from your existing browser. 

Simpler Downloads

No intrusive download manager; you see your download's status at the bottom of your current window. This is in line with Chrome's whole minimalist approach. There is very little to distract from the web pages

Comparison

Aside from the features, what does Chrome offer over other browsers generally? With most people content to stick with whatever internet explorer browser comes with their computer, what can Chrome offer to persuade people to switch?

Firstly, speed is the main selling point. Various tests and trials have been published extolling one browser over another. I've used Chrome for a few weeks now, and it certainly seems faster than both Firefox and Internet Explorer. It starts up fast, loads pages fast and can handle numerous tabs at once without complaining. PDFs open with whats seems suspicious speed. 

Simplicity is also key to Chrome. Nothing really gets in the way of the browsing experience. You don't really notice the browser as much. For me, it makes researching, reading and surfing a bit easier. I don't worry so much about having a dozen tabs open. If I have five tabs open on a particular topic that I want to get back to, I can drag them out into a new window and move on. 

As far as your average web user goes, I can't recommend Chrome enough. It is fast, usable and efficient. 

If you demand a little bit more from your browser then chinks may appear in Chrome's armour. Unlike Firefox and Internet Explorer, there is no way to extend the features of Chrome, or to really customise it. Firefox in particular has a multitude of extensions that make it the logical choice for the power user, especially web developers. 

There are some accessiblity issues as well, which hopefully will improve over time. The zoom function on Firefox and Internet Explorer increases the size of the entire webpage. Chrome merely increases the text size, leaving other elements the same size. 

Given that it's a first release, Chrome is impressive though, and although lacking some features, is ideal for casual browsing. It will be interesting to see which path Google takes with Chrome, and whether the speed and simplicity that make it different can be retained with future developments.

Download Google Chrome

Watch a video from the development team on the thinking and features behind Google Chrome.

M D Armitage