Google is reportedly trying to lure Gmail users who are still using Internet Explorer in switching to either Firefox or its very own Google Chrome browser. It was earlier spotted that Google is displaying a simple “Get faster Gmail” message in Gmail users’ accounts. The said message links to Google support page explaining that Gmail would run faster on Google’s two supported web browsers - Firefox and Chrome.
The support page says:
Browsers are getting faster and better at running web applications like Google Mail that use browser technology to its limits. In order to get the best experience possible and make Google Mail run an average of twice as fast, we suggest that you upgrade your browser to one of the fastest Google Mail supported browsers that work on Windows.
Interestingly below the support page, Google explained that a new faster IE8 is under development and even suggested that users download the beta version, linking to the IE8 download page.
Now this would have been alright if Google did not forget to put the “Get faster Gmail” message also on Gmail users’ who are already using IE8. Now that would have been humiliating on the part of Google. Fortunately, Google was quick enough to amend the inconsistency by making sure that the message would appear only on users who are still using IE6.
Another interesting thing to note is the fact that Google is only endorsing the use of Firefox and Chrome and not other web browsers aside from IE, including Safari and Opera.
But still the point is, was Google’s action justifiable? Was it not short of destroying the credibility of a rival company? Of course Gmail has every right to protect its product, but it should have left the decision to Gmail users to determine that Gmail does indeed runs slow on the IE browser.
Comments
7 responses so far ↓
GMail User on Dec 30, 2008 at 1:44 pm
This is a stupid column - I cannot believe they let you publish. Waste of my time.
James Poole on Dec 30, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I think people get to carried away with Google trying to take over the world
I just think there trying to make browsing better for their users, not trying to shaft microsoft
Commenter on Dec 30, 2008 at 6:59 pm
I’m happy to see Google encouraging people to use web browsers that can render their Gmail quickly. As they say themselves, “Fast is better than slow (http://www.google.com/corporate/tenthings.html).” In a world of mediocrity it’s good to see a company pushing excellence.
But if speed was Google’s only goal then why didn’t Google encourage the use of any of the market’s top five fastest browsers - without regard to market share?
It seems that Google’s hand picked browser list indicates Google’s goal isn’t just decreasing page rendering time. A browser list including the other fast browsers like Opera (http://www.howtocreate.co.uk/browserSpeed.html) would have helped me form an opinion otherwise.
It would seem that Google’s own Philosophy such as “democracy on the web works” and “crossing all borders” supports a standards based web experience so I would prefer to see Google to push *all* the fastest browsers, not just the ones meeting their goal(s).
That said, I don’t have any beef with Google pushing their own browser. I push my products on my web site. Why shouldn’t they?
Firefox Overtakes Chrome as JavaScript Speed Champion
http://www.appscout.com/2008/12/firefox_overtakes_chrome_as_ja.php
Photo Canvas art on Jan 2, 2009 at 6:25 am
It is does not make any sense for the gmail users who are using Internet Explorer, its left up to individuals to choose any browser.
Virtual Web Symphony on Jan 4, 2009 at 9:40 am
December market share statistics published by Net Applications reveal that Google’s Chrome is still at 1% market share compared to IE’s market share of 68%. Google definitely needs some smart marketing tips to promote its browser.
Personalized Photo Gifts on Apr 27, 2009 at 4:32 am
I think Mozila is great web browser
James Pederson on Apr 27, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I don’t mind Google Chrome as I like a choice when it comes to web browsers, it’s just unfortunate in my opinion that the emphasis Google was putting on FF is now going to be shifted to Chrome.
@ Photo Canvas Art - It is left up to individuals to choose their favorite products, but many users don’t even know there are other browsers out there OR (and more importantly) that IE has MAJOR security issues and downfalls when it comes to standards and accessibility (most portions of the browser don’t support other languages!). I think that instead of requiring that these individuals do their own complex analysis of browsers, that developers do a better job of emphasizing how crappy IE is, and if we don’t do an effective job of that, then the vast majority of people who run IE will be stuck with a standards-unaware, insecure browser and never know!
@ Virtual Web Symphony - I hope no one expected that Chrome would dominate the market after only having been out for 3 months. Look at FF, it’s been out and FAR BETTER than IE for years! Plus, apples to oranges, if Google could have their browser automatically installed on every computer with Windows, they would have a phenomenal market share!
This is a pretty dumb post though.. Do we need to argue about whether or not a new browser with 1% market share is trying to ‘lure IE users’? Nope, I think it’s much more important to be discussing how crappy IE is to get the message out there…
I think this site is cool, especially since you’re using WordPress! Way to support one open source system while you unnecessarily critique another!
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