Google plans to launch web browser

Markel · 09-01-2008, 09:08 PM

Should be interesting - competition for IE and Mozilla.
link

Quote:

Google plans to launch Web browser
Free browser supposed to be available for downloading Tuesday

Google is releasing its own Web browser in a long-anticipated move aimed at countering the dominance of Microsoft's Internet Explorer and ensuring easy access to its market-leading search engine.

The Mountain View-based company took the unusual step of announcing its latest product on the Labor Day holiday after it prematurely sent out a comic book drawn up to herald the new browser's arrival.

The free browser, called "Chrome," is supposed to be available for downloading Tuesday in more than 100 countries for computers running on Microsoft's Windows operating system. Google said it's still working on versions compatible with Apple's Mac computer and the Linux operating system.

Google's browser is expected to hit the market a week after Microsoft's unveiling of a test version of its latest browser update, Internet Explorer 8. The tweaks include more tools for Web surfers to cloak their online preferences, creating a shield that could make it more difficult for Google and other marketing networks to figure out which ads are most likely to appeal to which individuals.

Although Google is using a cartoonish approach to promote Chrome, the new browser underscores the gravity of Google's rivalry with Microsoft, whose Internet Explorer is used by about 75 percent of Web surfers.

Google's lead in the lucrative Internet search market is nearly as commanding, with its engine processing nearly two-thirds of the Web's queries.

For the past few years, Google has been trying to take advantage of its search engine's popularity to loosen Microsoft's grip on how most people interact with personal computers.

The assault so far has been focused on a bundle of computer programs, including word processing and spreadsheet applications, that Google offers as an alternative to one of Microsoft's biggest money makers, its Office suite of products.

Google has tried to make its alternatives more appealing and accessible by hosting them for free over Internet connections instead of requiring users to pay a licensing fee to install them on individual computers, as Microsoft typically does.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has tried to thwart Google by investing billions in the development of its own search engine and making an unsuccessful attempt to buy Yahoo Inc. for $47.5 billion.

The tensions between Microsoft and Google now seem likely to escalate with Google's foray into Web browsing.

Until now, Google had been trying to undermine Internet Explorer by supporting Firefox, a Web browser developed by the open-source Mozilla Foundation. Bolstered by an advertising partnership with Google's search engine, Firefox ranks as the second most popular browser, with a market share of more than 10 percent. Google recently extended its advertising alliance with Firefox through 2011.

Bearing the stamp of Google's renowned brand, Chrome could be an even more formidable rival to Explorer.

Still, Google's name is no guarantee of success. For instance, Google's instant messaging service hasn't come close to catching up to the market-leading products made by Yahoo, Microsoft and Time Warner Inc.'s AOL.

In a blog post Monday, Google touted Chrome as a more sophisticated Web browser better suited for displaying the dynamic and interactive content blossoming on the Web as people migrate from television, radio and newspapers.

"The Web gets better with more options and innovation," Sundar Pichai, Google's vice president of product management, and Linus Upson, Google's engineering director, wrote in the posting. "Google Chrome is another option, and we hope it contributes to making the Web even better."

Microsoft brushed aside the threat in a statement Monday from Dean Hachamovitch, Internet Explorer's general manager.

"The browser landscape is highly competitive, but people will choose Internet Explorer 8 for the way it puts the services they want right at their fingertips ... and, more than any other browsing technology, puts them in control of their personal data online," Hachamovitch said.

Even as it has backed Firefox, Google has openly fretted about the possible ramifications of Microsoft's huge lead in Web browsing.

Google is worried that Microsoft could abuse its power by manipulating Internet Explorer's default settings in a way that might diminish traffic to Google's search engine, which serves as the hub of the largest online ad network.

In 2006, Google contacted the Justice Department to raise alarms about changes to Internet Explorer that Google believed made it more difficult to install search toolbars made by Microsoft's rivals. Although regulators decided not to intervene, Microsoft subsequently modified the way Explorer handled the selection of search toolbars.

nate el bueno · 09-01-2008, 11:34 PM

people actually use IE

uncledaddy · 09-02-2008, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nate el bueno

people actually use IE

Yeah, that is funny, but I guess I'm one. Isn't there sites that won't work with any other browser or that are primarily designed for IE. I know my student website recommends IE, though it works fine with Firefox. I wonder why the recommendation. I try to stay away from IE but certain sites that I stream radio from won't work with Firefox.

Jeffbx · 09-02-2008, 06:19 AM

I use both, but have better luck with IE. Probably because my company writes everything for IE!

This should be interesting. I'll also be interested in seeing what goodies they put in IE8. Looks interesting so far:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/int...explorer/beta/

InfiniteNothing · 09-02-2008, 08:43 AM

Is it out yet?

Airencracken · 09-02-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slashdot

"Consuming twice as much RAM as Firefox and saturating the CPU with nearly six times as many execution threads, Microsoft's latest beta release of Internet Explorer 8 is in fact more demanding on your PC than Windows XP itself, research firm Devil Mountain Software found in performance tests. Accroding to the firm, which operates a community-based testing network, IE8 Beta 2 consumed 380MB of RAM and spawned 171 concurrent threads during a multi-tab browsing test of popular Web destinations. InfoWorld's Randall Kennedy speculates that Microsoft may be designing IE8 for the multicore future. But until your machine sports four or eight discrete processing cores, IE8 will remain 'porcine,' Devil Mountain's Craig Barth says."

http://tech.slashdot.org/article.pl?.../09/02/1418252

Meh. IE8 is completely uninteresting for me (especially since I run Linux 90% of the time)

This google browser is also fairly meh. I don't see any reason to switch from Firefox.

attgig · 09-02-2008, 10:04 AM

I've been getting annoyed at firefox in general. If I have it open all day, then, ram ussage goes to over 150megs easily, and begins to take over too many cpu cycles. I'd love to find a good browser that manages memory better. obviously ie8 isn't it if the slashdot link is real.

And I know, it may not necessarily be Firefox's fault, but rather the webpages that didn't code correctly. But how about a garbage collect button, instead of forcing me to restart every couple hours?

brainsmile · 09-02-2008, 12:58 PM

Chrome is supposed to be superior since when the browser locks up you can just close one window instead of the entire browser application

InfiniteNothing · 09-02-2008, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by attgig

I've been getting annoyed at firefox in general. If I have it open all day, then, ram ussage goes to over 150megs easily, and begins to take over too many cpu cycles. I'd love to find a good browser that manages memory better. obviously ie8 isn't it if the slashdot link is real.

And I know, it may not necessarily be Firefox's fault, but rather the webpages that didn't code correctly. But how about a garbage collect button, instead of forcing me to restart every couple hours?

Yeah, I've had it creep up to a gig+ a couple times.

Airencracken · 09-02-2008, 01:51 PM

The separate process per tab looks interesting as does the garbage collection, but I'm wondering how they'll handle add-ons. Somehow I doubt they'll have an adblock.

Adblock makes the web usable.

Also its currently only for windows. Since I use linux most of the time, I can't use it anyways. They say a linux version is forthcoming, but I'm hoping its a native port, not a version compiled against wine like what they did with picasa.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10030522-2.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnet

Moments ago, Google went live with its Chrome Web Browser. I immediately clicked download, but not before I saved a copy of its terms of service. I like to know what I am agreeing to.

Here's a few things that stood out to me.

1. Google reserves the right to automatically update and install Chrome.

This is becoming standard fare with much software these days, but worth noting.

"The software which you use may automatically download and install updates from time to time from Google. These updates are designed to improve, enhance and further develop the services and may take the form of bug fixes, enhanced functions, new software modules and completely new versions. You agree to receive such updates (and permit Google to deliver these to you) as part of your use of the services."

2. Although you retain any copyrights to content you own and use in the browser, Google says it has a right to display some of your content, in conjunction with promoting its services. Here's there exact wording.

"By submitting, posting or displaying the content you give Google a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute any content which you submit, post or display on or through, the services. This license is for the sole purpose of enabling Google to display, distribute and promote the services and may be revoked for certain services as defined in the additional terms of those services."

3. Don't be surprised to see more ads.

Traditionally, it is Web pages and not the browser itself that serves ads. Google isn't saying it will change this paradigm, but it's terms of service don't rule that out either.

"Some of the services are supported by advertising revenue and may display advertisements and promotions. These advertisements may be targeted to the content of information stored on the services, queries made through the services or other information.

The manner, mode and extent of advertising by Google on the services are subject to change without specific notice to you."

Also worth paying attention to are the settings when you install it. By default, Chrome will add all manner of shortcuts, so if you don't want it to do that, be sure to click "customize these settings." Of note, it does not make itself the default browser without a user agreeing to do so.

Interesting.

InfiniteNothing · 09-02-2008, 05:32 PM

Poke-ball GOOOO!
No, but really, so far I love Chrome.

Markel · 09-02-2008, 06:08 PM

I gave it a try, but it wouldn't let me reply to a post so I immediately fired up Firefox.

mcs328 · 09-02-2008, 07:13 PM

I don't see any way to look at my imported bookmarks. Some pages are faster and some pages are slower. I'll play around with it some more.

Jcranmer · 09-02-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcs328

I don't see any way to look at my imported bookmarks. Some pages are faster and some pages are slower. I'll play around with it some more.

If you find it let me know. Right now that is my biggest issue with it. I can only see a few under the address bar, but rest of them, I have no idea where to find them.

mechmike0034 · 09-03-2008, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airencracken

Also its currently only for windows. Since I use linux most of the time, I can't use it anyways.

http://dev.chromium.org/developers/h...ructions-linux

pd123 · 09-03-2008, 06:30 AM

It runs faster for me but my password manager, Roboform, does not support Google browser.

Airencracken · 09-03-2008, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mechmike0034

http://dev.chromium.org/developers/h...ructions-linux

Interesting. I'll take a look at it. Perhaps I can even contribute. Not to mention that if I just use the source their legal mumbo jumbo about having rights to my content goes out the door.

bachviet · 09-03-2008, 08:59 AM

Post this using Google Chrome. It works like a charm to me but it doesn't import my password from FF v3.

InfiniteNothing · 09-03-2008, 10:37 AM

The individual threading thing is awesome. It means you can quit your browser and open a new window at the same time. Also, javascript seems much improved speed wise.

pd123 · 09-03-2008, 10:58 AM

According to tech support for Roboform, password manager doesn't and won't work in the future, "We're sorry but this is not possible due to the browser engine that Google chose, WebKit, which cannot be integrated with, same as Safari".
That's a dealbreaker for me.

GraingerGuy · 09-03-2008, 05:42 PM

Hmmmm....I'm using it right now and it seems really fast. Impressed so far.

Markel · 09-03-2008, 07:22 PM

Last night (when I wasn't browsing) Chrome (actually, Google Updater or some such name) wanted to access the internet (see - a software firewall that monitors outbound traffic is good!

). I noticed two instances of it in task manager and killed the processes. This morning when I sat down at my computer ZoneAlarm was again warning me of the same process wanting outbound access. With that, I uninstalled Chrome for good. Anything that tries to "call home" on it's own schedule with no good reason is not to be trusted, in my book.

09-02-2008, 08:43 AM	#5
InfiniteNothing Fleet Admiral Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 9,537	Is it out yet? __________________ I guess that would mean turning signatures back on. I haven't had them on for ~2 years.

09-02-2008, 10:04 AM	#7
attgig Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: the ghetto's of bawlmo' Posts: 10,964	I've been getting annoyed at firefox in general. If I have it open all day, then, ram ussage goes to over 150megs easily, and begins to take over too many cpu cycles. I'd love to find a good browser that manages memory better. obviously ie8 isn't it if the slashdot link is real. And I know, it may not necessarily be Firefox's fault, but rather the webpages that didn't code correctly. But how about a garbage collect button, instead of forcing me to restart every couple hours? __________________

09-02-2008, 12:58 PM	#8
brainsmile Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: woah... why is welfareloser here with me so early in the morning and more importantly why am I wearing her clothes?!? Posts: 13,445	Chrome is supposed to be superior since when the browser locks up you can just close one window instead of the entire browser application __________________ ********************************** DCM #1 (Founder) "Nobody beats Vitus Gerulaitis 18 times in a row." - Vitus Gerulaitis on beating Jimmy Connors after 17 failed attempts.

09-02-2008, 07:13 PM	#13
mcs328 Admiral Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Maryland Posts: 5,925	I don't see any way to look at my imported bookmarks. Some pages are faster and some pages are slower. I'll play around with it some more. __________________

09-03-2008, 06:30 AM	#16
pd123 Commander Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 1,335	Problem It runs faster for me but my password manager, Roboform, does not support Google browser.

09-01-2008, 11:34 PM	#2
nate el bueno Spawn of Markel Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lombard, IL Posts: 852	people actually use IE

09-02-2008, 06:19 AM	#4
Jeffbx Fleet Admiral Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Michigan Posts: 8,542	I use both, but have better luck with IE. Probably because my company writes everything for IE! This should be interesting. I'll also be interested in seeing what goodies they put in IE8. Looks interesting so far: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/int...explorer/beta/

09-02-2008, 05:32 PM	#11
InfiniteNothing Fleet Admiral Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 9,537	Poke-ball GOOOO! No, but really, so far I love Chrome.

09-02-2008, 06:08 PM	#12
Markel Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 10,842	I gave it a try, but it wouldn't let me reply to a post so I immediately fired up Firefox.

09-03-2008, 08:59 AM	#18
bachviet What's Da Pho*? Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SoCal (714) Posts: 13,122	Post this using Google Chrome. It works like a charm to me but it doesn't import my password from FF v3. __________________ Dell Dimension 9200 \| Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.4Ghz) \| 3x1GB DDR2 \| 256MB nVidia GeForce 8800GT Dell Inspiron 640m \| Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 (2.0GHz) \| 2x1GB DDR2 PC2-4200 \| Intel GMA 950 Intel P4-C 3.0GHz \| ECS 865PE-A \| 3x512MB PC3200 \| 128MB PNY GeForce 6600GT

09-03-2008, 10:37 AM	#19
InfiniteNothing Fleet Admiral Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 9,537	The individual threading thing is awesome. It means you can quit your browser and open a new window at the same time. Also, javascript seems much improved speed wise.

09-03-2008, 10:58 AM	#20
pd123 Commander Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 1,335	Password manager problem According to tech support for Roboform, password manager doesn't and won't work in the future, "We're sorry but this is not possible due to the browser engine that Google chose, WebKit, which cannot be integrated with, same as Safari". That's a dealbreaker for me.

09-03-2008, 05:42 PM	#21
GraingerGuy Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Working....and working...and working some more Posts: 3,431	Hmmmm....I'm using it right now and it seems really fast. Impressed so far. __________________ potato gun + marshmallow gun = FLAMING MARSHMALLOWS OF DOOM!!!!! -Welfareloser 4/13/05 Time to switch to AMD now I guess... (just kidding... ) -Darkfury 5/23/05 I don't think this'll stop anything though - the better you idiot-proof a system, the more impressive the idiot becomes. -ShawnLee 5/30/08

09-03-2008, 07:22 PM	#22
Markel Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 10,842	Last night (when I wasn't browsing) Chrome (actually, Google Updater or some such name) wanted to access the internet (see - a software firewall that monitors outbound traffic is good! ). I noticed two instances of it in task manager and killed the processes. This morning when I sat down at my computer ZoneAlarm was again warning me of the same process wanting outbound access. With that, I uninstalled Chrome for good. Anything that tries to "call home" on it's own schedule with no good reason is not to be trusted, in my book.

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