As you are probably well aware of by now, Google has finally released a beta for their their new web browser. Named Chrome, the download is currently only available for Windows XP and Vista, but I was of course able to install and run it on my Mac using VM Fusion.
Chrome is Google’s attempt to challenge Microsoft’ dominant position in the web browser market, and also could be considered a challenge also to Microsoft’s Office Suite. Google’s larger vision has a browser that can do practically everything that you would want to do with a computer. Chrome was designed to improve on the way browsers handle Javascript, the technology useful in making web pages more interactive and behave more like desktop software programs. Google Docs Office Suite already uses this framework, so the integration of the two is the natural progression.
Chrome shines when it comes to quickly loading pages loading pages, even those bloated with Flash that like to suck the life out of your CPU. The dynamic tab navigation has a real intuitive feel to it , and integrates well with the instant bookmarking feature. Every application tab runs independently of each other, so if one crashes, nothing else is effected (crash control). Incognito mode or “porn mode” is available for private browsing, as well as offering a simpler download option than other browsers.
There does seem to be issue regarding content rights when integrating with the Google Docs office suite. Feel free to read the end-user agreement and decide for yourself. Google’s alpha browser seems to be a good start, but in practical terms is far less useful than Firefox, because it lacks the array of third party programs like Firebug that are incredibly useful for those in the web development field.