Google browser: chrome

Google came out with a new browser today and I got a few minutes to look at it on a Vista machine. They did a pretty good job. The first thing that came to mind when I saw it, and the first thing that comes to mind whenever I think ‘Google’, is that it is very minimalistic. It seems like a lightweight, fast, no-frills browser that loads javascript really freakin’ fast.

There’s a new javascript engine in the browser called V8, and now all of the javascript based Google sites (google reader, gmail) run noticeably faster.

Also, there is an ‘incognito’ mode that allows you to run a browser version that leaves ‘no trace behind’. This mode allows you to search without leaving history, cookies, etc… all over your machine. Sounds like a workplace appropriate (or inappropriate) web browser.

Nice one Google.

Other than that, it is still a beta and there are a few downfalls – it has some trouble with certain plugins and website features. Going to certain sites like http://www.silverlight.net leave you missing an entire menu bar at the top of the page. I’m sure all of these things will be fixed soon. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy your browsing.