Google’s Chrome Browser: What You Need to Know

September 1st, 2008 by Eric Lander, Associate Editor | 41 Comments

The Beta Download: Available September 2, 2008
Google’s Chrome Browser is not only real, it’s almost available to users for download. According to the Google Blog Chrome will become available for download tomorrow morning in more than 100 countries. The Beta launch of Chrome was announced in an official blog post called A fresh take on the browser.

Wait - Where’s the Download?
(Added by author) It’s the morning of Tuesday September 2, and the download remains unavailable. We’ll keep an eye out, but if you want to refresh like crazy, be sure to visit Google’s Chrome page (currently redirecting to Google.com) that resides under Google Gears.

An Attack on Microsoft?
Google Chrome Browser Screenshots As the search industry merges with the technology industry, I want to echo sentiments that Dow Jones’ Kara Swisher expressed on her blog.

I received an email from one of Kara’s colleagues, Christine Mohan, with this quote as well, who alerted me to Kara’s post.

“Sources told me definitively Google will launch the browser–which is its most blatant attack on Microsoft yet–as early as tomorrow for download by consumers.”

Christine Mohan emailed me after I posted an article earlier today called Google Chrome, Google’s Web Browser: Is it Real?

Well, yes. It is real - and in the hours since my post went live here on Search Engine Journal, a number of other media outlets ran with the story, accumulating more facts and traction along the way. A short while ago, Arnold Zafra posted on the official announcement of Chrome here on SEJ as well.

The Death of the Rumors
When I posted earlier today, Chrome was simply a pile of rumors. And, rumors are just that. Once the media outlets began running with the story, I suspect that Google felt some pressure to get their blog updated. Now, I say that half joking - because let’s face the facts… Mailing out comic books to influential technology authors is hardly an accident.

Here are some of the more prominent stories I’ve come across on the announcement of Chrome:

Screenshots of Google Chrome
Techcrunch published some screenshots of Google Chrome earlier today…

Google Chrome Browser Screenshots

What’s Next?
There will certainly be a frenzy surrounding Chrome on Tuesday morning once everyone begins their Beta downloads and users begin to experience Chrome first hand. In the meantime, stay tuned to Search Engine Journal and other media outlets for more information.

Comments

41 responses so far ↓

Mark E on Sep 1, 2008 at 9:28 pm

Can’t wait to try it out myself. Google always puts a great deal of quality into their products and I expect this one to be fantastic.

Besides, it provides more competition for Microsoft. If there was a company that needs a kick in the pants it is them. Especially after the Vista debacle.
Patrick C on Sep 1, 2008 at 11:21 pm

I disagree strongly to the Vista comment, I personally love Vista. I do hate Microsoft though, everything else they do fails miserably. I hope Google’s Chrome destroys those Microsofties stock. Bill Gates should die in a ditch along with the rest of his pitiful company. Long live Steve Jobs!!!!
Patrick C on Sep 1, 2008 at 11:22 pm

By the way, Steve Jobs death was completely exaggerated. He’s not quite dead yet.
muhit on Sep 2, 2008 at 12:57 am

google mainly made it for mac and linux edition.
funpaul on Sep 2, 2008 at 1:04 am

then how come it’s not out for mac and linux yet?
windows is the big market
Ken on Sep 2, 2008 at 1:14 am

All competition is good competition
Balazee Chilla on Sep 2, 2008 at 1:37 am

Hi,

Nice Post…Can U please Send Me the Download Link…

Thanks and Regards,
Your’s Balazee Chilla
clumsy_culhane on Sep 2, 2008 at 1:53 am

Its not realeased for download yet. It will be out Tuesday night (as far as im aware)
Rod on Sep 2, 2008 at 1:59 am

That’s just like people, ungrateful. If you’re not running another system you’re running Microsoft Windows or Vista. I can remember running DOS. We’ve come a long way and Microsoft helped get us here. Only those that are new to computer systems would knock Microsoft which we’ve had for decades. There’s plenty of Browers, that’s good, but the Microsoft operating system is one of a kind and I use it exclusively.
KT on Sep 2, 2008 at 2:06 am

Any word on which countries are on that 100 list?
Endre Jofoldi on Sep 2, 2008 at 2:43 am

I would be very anxious if I would work for the Mozilla Foundation. Is there still future for Firefox besides this new browser?
So I think it is much more dangerous for Firefox than Microsoft.
hfrlvn on Sep 2, 2008 at 2:54 am

Will Chrome work on older operating systems, Windows 98SE ?
Browsers News on Sep 2, 2008 at 3:07 am

Welcome Google. Yet another field you want to take over ;)
test on Sep 2, 2008 at 4:01 am

cheking current time
Mark on Sep 2, 2008 at 4:21 am

I cant wait to try this browser out. Google always comes to the party with something great. I wonder if it will be any faster than Firefox?
Rahul on Sep 2, 2008 at 5:14 am

Its cool.. i love it in first site…
mike c on Sep 2, 2008 at 6:06 am

This will give Mr. Gates a run for his money; at least his pocket change.
DJV on Sep 2, 2008 at 6:19 am

Vista sucks! Hope that Chrome will support XP for some time. I do not want to go to VISTA!
Bala on Sep 2, 2008 at 6:31 am

i hope google will come with Developement IDE and it open source.
Mercy on Sep 2, 2008 at 6:54 am

Mozilla has recently renewed its agreement with Google and the agreement is extended till 2011. But still does Google Chrome affects Firefox and keep it in toes?
Mike Williamson on Sep 2, 2008 at 7:17 am

I will be anxiously awaiting the comparisons with Safari.
Robbie on Sep 2, 2008 at 8:38 am

A refreshing new take on browsing, anything would be better than that boring old IE antique dressed up in modern clothes!
Vrata on Sep 2, 2008 at 8:48 am

I cant wait to try it. I’m a fan of Mozilla Firefox, but if Google comes with something better and faster - then why not…
Christopher Yeap on Sep 2, 2008 at 8:57 am

I just cannot wait anymore. Hope Google Chrome browsing compatible with my website site.
Mercy on Sep 2, 2008 at 9:13 am

@Vrata - I agree with you.
Sarah on Sep 2, 2008 at 9:38 am

To someone who commented above about Microsoft bringing us from DOS to Windows…

Yes it is nice to be free from the dark ages of DOS but Windows only wins cos there is no decent alternative.

I’m waiting with baited breath for Google to get its ass into OS development. Oh boy!

Waiting for Chrome baby, yeah!
Rahul on Sep 2, 2008 at 9:50 am

Hey, Google is coming up with MS soon..Then will not be any problem for Microsoft related to monopoly fines. :)
Rahul on Sep 2, 2008 at 9:50 am

Hey, Google is coming up with OS soon..Then will not be any problem for Microsoft related to monopoly fines. :)
Martyn P on Sep 2, 2008 at 10:24 am

Oh dear. It looks like I’m going to have to give up Firefox. This looks great! Faster, easier to use… I just hope that there are some good extensions.
Jerry on Sep 2, 2008 at 10:45 am

I’m a big Mozilla Firefox fan but am very much ready and excited about Google’s Chrome
Santhosh Thomas on Sep 2, 2008 at 11:42 am

Hi,
Could any one send me the download link for the google chrome. or else could any one please send the exe file as an attachment to me to my email ID.

santoms@gmail.com
MarkO on Sep 2, 2008 at 12:37 pm

It kills me that Microsoft sneaks updates to see if you’ve paid for your version of Windows. Can’t even download IE8 without MS checking your version….it makes me crazy, I bought my PC with windows already loaded……. now with Googles new browser I don’t ever have to download IE8….and I’m sure Google will come out with their version of an OS…..see where that got you Microsoft…..greed
Navjot Singh on Sep 2, 2008 at 2:54 pm

Google Chrome is available for download from http://www.google.com/chrome/

But you will get access only to 474KB online crappy installer.

Download complete offline installer from http://rapidshare.com/files/142129854/chrome_installer.exe
Matt Dionne on Sep 2, 2008 at 4:00 pm

First impressions, it is a simple and fast browser. As mentioned without extensions it will not beat Firefox. It beats IE (hands down) but the challenge remains that most users will not search out a new browser. They will just stick with what comes on their machines.
Mr. Bobblehead on Sep 2, 2008 at 5:11 pm

I love Firefox, but I had to download Chrome to try it out. Check out my quick review at SimpleCritics.com: Google Chrome Review.

I think Chrome has potential to be great. I just need to wait to see how secure it is.
Mr. Bobblehead on Sep 2, 2008 at 5:11 pm

Sorry about the busted link.

Here’s the URL:

http://simplecritics.com/2008/09/02/quick-thoughts-google-chrome/
Martyn P on Sep 3, 2008 at 10:19 am

@Matt Dionne: But think about it - Google has a huge user base which Mozilla/Safari didn’t have. They can advertise on their services, and get lots of everyday users.
Santhosh Thomas on Sep 3, 2008 at 4:31 pm

Hi,
I downloaded the new google chrome browser. it is super fast. it has never carshed so far…….I hope it would be the best when it comes out of the beta version…

cheers
Santhosh Thomas K
John on Sep 3, 2008 at 4:39 pm

Tonights show will include Dave Taylor who just posted on this on Askdavetaylor.com and will be speaking On blogtalkradio.com/bloggersschool
enjoy hope you can make it 7 Pm Eastern standard time.
Babymushy on Sep 8, 2008 at 9:12 am

I’ve been reading hyperbole-laden claims about Google Chrome this morning, including what Google had to say about it. Chrome will be a better browser, no doubt, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It’s definitely not a challenge to Microsoft’s operating system business, nor is it the second coming of Jesus Christ.

1. While Chrome has lots of operating-system-like features, it doesn’t support a native API of it’s own. Moreover, since it’s designed to run web applications better rather than allow developers to build new kinds of web applications, it doesn’t appear possible for a developer to design an application that exploits some native feature of Chrome that will cause everyone to decide that they have to become Chrome users. The fact that there’s no application “pull-through” effect eliminates a compelling reason that users might have for switching from their current browser.
2. A major function of an operating system is to abstract and manage hardware for the developer. One of the many reasons Microsoft Windows is so successful is the sheer breadth of hardware it supports. Chrome doesn’t know anything about the underlying hardware. Period. In fact, it relies on Windows to know about the hardware. You still need an operating system to run Chrome.
3. Distribution. Oh yeah, Microsoft has that one locked up with their PC OEM channel. Google, if they were really planning to compete for the OS, would actually have to build an OS in order to satisfy the demands of these customers.
Vinita Hatadia on Nov 11, 2008 at 12:12 pm

what are the additional features i might be benifitted by.