Google Chrome: An Introduction

The article's author states that he doesn't expect Chrome to take away market share from Internet Explorer. On that point, I disagree, for one simple reason: Most people use Google as their "home" page (and they don't use Microsoft). That will get people wanting to "try it", and that is a big part of getting anyone to switch browsers.

And while it's true that Microsoft has the advantage of having IE installed with most computers today, Google will eventually get the advantage of having web application developers "recommending" Chrome as the best browser to use their application in.

I think it's important to note how Chrome is not just taking on IE, it's also taking on Windows. I've heard it said that Chrome is "Google's Operating System", and with a surge of Web applications (which will only increase as computers !and browsers! get faster), that is going to make a definite hit on the whole "desktop application" market.

To sum it up: If I had the money, I would definitely buy shares in Google. My prediction: Google will get close to 50% of the browser market by September 2009. (You heard it from me first - Dan Gilleland).

Nice review, however I am missing the mentioning of the quite important security issues (such as the indexing of secure web pages). I have stopped using the browser for this very reason. Also, there is a security warning out, which in my opinion is one to consider: collecting "browsing habits" data together with the controversial e-mail scanning practice allows the accumulation of too much information about the user base and I think is best to be avoided.

urm why worry about the indexing? If you are then surely you've already accepted that either your pc or laptop will be stolen or hacked into??? I'd be more worried about that!

As for your second point, information (even lots of it) isn't bad, its only in the use of it. Agreed there does need to be protections within the laws of society to try and prevent any malicious use.

Dan, I don't want to start an open argument but I disagree with your prediction. I feel that anyone bold enough to try different browsers is already running Firefox, Opera, Safari or anything-other-than-IE.

Anyone still running IE is doing so either because that is their corporate IT policy, or because they are a conservative / inexperienced user (think your average Mum & Dad type user) who has no interest or expertise to change browsers.

I can certainly see Chrome taking share away from Firefox in the enthusiast sector, if it proves to be superior. But unless IE is unbundled from Windows and new users are given completely free choice, Microsoft will remain the dominant browser.

As for 50% of the browser market, I believe Firefox is maybe 15% after all these years. (Though I am aware that geek sites with younger demographics it already exceeds 50%). Again, the only way I can see Chrome gaining that much share is via an operating system. There are rumours that HP - the world's largest PC maker - is thinking of ditching Vista and offering their own custom Linux GUI. Clearly THAT isn't going to run IE (just like Linux-powered Netbooks) so if Chrome because the defacto browser for those users, then maybe :)

As for Google's share price, you might want to check the markets :)

Smart posters FTW! 50% market share in a year seems unlikely to me, even with the advantage of having it advertised on many people's start page. I'm guessing it'll be around 25%. However, the youngsters of today are the 'moms and dads' of tomorrow, ergo it's only a matter of time before the Chrome-descendant browser is dominant. Can't wait for the Mac version. Bring on Google OS! (waves at Hugo)

microsoft have been positioning ie8 to run applications for several months now (ie running each tab in it's own process etc.) - yet just because google (usually apple) launch things by 'surprise' they win the accolades. Microsoft like to gives devs as much notice and information ahead of time with their releases. Say what you like but MS knows, understands and supports Enterprise which as long as external revs don't drop the ball ( like they did with vista) is great for us home users too.

my forecast is chrome won't even break 2% in the next 2 years unless some unseen before app is developed and runs exclusively on it that has complete mass market appeal. otherwise, it'll just be swimming around with the other nobodies: opera, safari, camino, etc

@The_Pope - You have a real point about Linux on PC's. A couple of years back I never would have said that Microsoft's consumer dominance would be threatened by Linux, but I think the Eee PC changed that considerably. It showed that a non-MS consumer laptop was desirable and could be successful, hence why MS have extended XP's life. If hardware makers are able to sell PCs etc. with custom versions of Linux on there, that are just as successful as MS versions then that is extremely dangerous ground for MS. Open source software was seen as 'geeky' and there was no way that your average occasional home PC user would have made the swap (after a year I'm still trying to get my Mum to understand the whole concept of installing a program. It means nothing to her and she still tells Windows Update to get lost too). However, if all this open-source software arrived in the same way as MS software arrives on a new PC, then it really could change. MS has the resource to adapt and build hardware supplier relationships, but for the first time ever I think they are truly vulnerable.

Ironically, YouTube videos don't seem to work on Chrome.

"Ironically, YouTube videos don't seem to work on Chrome."

Strange, I have no issues with that.