September 1st, 2008
Google confirms new browser initiative, probably not a good idea
Google has officially confirmed that it will be launching it’s new browser called “Chrome” that will take on Internet Explorer and Firefox. This is huge news, and for many people, it has been too long overdue. Rumors of the gBrowser have been floating around for years — maybe there is still hope for GDrive?
Before Google made it official, Philipp Lenssen wrote to tell us about a comic book he received that has very detailed information about a new product set to be launched tomorrow — Chrome. This product appears to be well thought out, addressing problems that exist in all other modern browsers. Among many things, Google has written its own javascript engine called V8, and has addressed security and browser stability by placing the contents of each tab in its own sandbox. According to Google, a webpage cannot crash the entire browser, only a tab. View the comic book on Google Books here.
[image from Google Blogoscoped]
Detailed information can be found in the comic book, but let’s discuss something different — why is Google making their own browser, and is it a smart move?
Why is Google Doing this?
Eric Schmidt said in 2006 that they had no plans to build their own browser, and the only reason they would is if there was real user benefit. Apparently, now Google feels that their new browser will really benefit users, and that current browser choices don’t do a good enough job. I would assume that Google wants to try making the internet more secure and useful — and feel they can do it quicker, and better themselves than the competition.
Is it a smart move?
Google is entering into a market that is well established, and is filled with users that are content. Simply launching a browser (that is beta, and probably has some bugs) will not instantly transform the browser ecosystem. In fact, I would guess that it will take Google several years to build any kind of market share with their browser, regardless of how good it may be right now.
If they aren’t careful, not only will they have a browser that resembles Microsoft Live in the search engine wars, but they will have also disrupted their relationship with the Mozilla Foundation — creators of the second most popular browser called Firefox. Why does that matter? The first screen you see when you install Firefox is Google, and the default search engine in the Firefox toolbar is also Google. These two things are important — and in a world where switching to a different search engine is extremely easy, being the default search engine in the second most popular browser is priceless.
On the other hand, if Chrome does step up to the plate and play with the big boys, Google will not have to rely on a good relationship with Mozilla, and they will have more control over their own future. They are going to have to make a great first impression, and move quickly if they want to be successful. This is a huge risk.
What do you think? Is “Chrome” a good idea? What would make you switch from your default browser to this new one?
Garett Rogers 
is employed as a programmer for iQmetrix, which specializes in retail management software for the wireless industry.
See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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