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And this is it - all blogosphere is now talking about new Google Chrome browser. Google just released beta version and I must say – unbelievable speed!
When I heard at first about Chrome I thought – just one more browser – there are enough already, and yeah, I hear all MAC users screaming about injustice, that only PC users meanwhile can access new browser beta version and I thought I could make review specially for them. I luckily (never thought I will say that word about PC) have PC, so I got the chance to test it. So what’s really about this new browser?
So first I can say it’s EXTREMELY fast, and yes – I really mean EXTREMALY! I am great fan of FireFox, but I can say, I loved Chrome from my first minute. At first it took just ~2 minutes to download and install – every page just loads in few seconds and design is very clean and intuitive, which is great, although I already missed my FF plugins :)
So okay, lets dig deeper:
What’s new with Chrome really? :
1. One box for everything
You got one browser box, where You start typing and browser automatically suggest You popular searches, visited pages while You are writing. Great feature, because now You got Search and Browser box in one field!
2. New tab
You can click on New tab icon – You can see Your nine most visited pages with thumbnails, history search, recent bookmarks and latest closed tabs. I found it pretty useful.
3. Crash Control
Chrome handles tabs differently than other browsers – each tab loads in his own process. This feature cuts out possibility of crashing Your browser – now there will crash just one tab. You can see below in image, what I am talking about.
So now Chrome has his own Task Manager and You can see there, how much memory uses browser, each tab, plug-ins and easily end process of desired page.
If You like detailed statistics – open stats for nerds to see summary.
4. Incognito mode
Image is pretty self explaining – if You don’t want to display pages in Your web history – just choose incognito mode and do safe browsing :) If You work in office – this one could be pretty useful spy mode.
5. Importing settings
Google Chrome made pretty easy for new users to switch to their browser with easy bookmark,password etc. importing from Your previous browser.
6. Instant bookmarks
Browser automatically warns when You are going to visit some unsafe web site – I think You can trust Google as it is one of the biggest Internet giants in the world.
7. Simpler downloads
When downloading a file, it will open in left bottom sidebar – just like FireFox with Statusbar extension. Thoughtful!
8. Dynamic tabs
You can easily manage Your tab order or create new window, just by easily clicking and dragging.
9. Speed
As I already said – Chrome is very fast, while browsing pages – however I am not an expert to make speed testing, however I found some tests.
Those are 5 subtests measuring browser’s JavaScript performance.
And there are more speed tests made by lifehacker.com :
10. Design
Interface in Chrome is very clean and intuitive, every icon and page just in place – excellent design. There are just minimalistic toolbar at top of the browser with just few buttons like:
And two icons – one for customizing current page and another to set Your global configuration settings:
Here I can see how less can be more.
Summary
Looks like Chrome will be serious competitor, because of its speed, cleanness and simplicity. I already see great war happening between FireFox, Chrome,Internet Explorer and Safari. Yeah..and for us, designers, looks like there will be one more browser to validate for. However I cant wait for full Chrome version and FireFox response to this step. See you in blogosphere!
If You are interested to know more about Google Chrome and why they made new browser, check their homepage:
I will be very glad to hear Your opinion about those news!
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Dainis Graveris is 23 years old blogger and designer, founder of 1stWebDesigner, now more silently managing everything behind the scenes. He usually hangs out in Twitter tweeting design related links and chatting with people. If you have any questions or feedback that's the best place to start! Cheers!
Friday, December 11th, 2009 17:00
the best browser , google wins again
Saturday, November 14th, 2009 17:18
great post – really motivated me to try and am now happily using v4
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 23:32
@Pete no idea yet, little discrimination for MAC users I know. But I suppose fast enough, because there are huge amount of MAC users.
Yeah and this is just beta version for now.
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 23:05
Since it’s just a v.Beta I’d say as soon as the stable one comes out.
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 05:35
I am not a MAC user, but a very detailed post.
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 07:09
@Gujna yeah, FireFox always has been used by people, who search for the best in the internet.
And now Chrome just made serious announcement. I hope FireFox will answer of course – and we will get at least one better browser.
@Jim I tried my best, this new browser just caught my attention greatly.
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 00:26
Just to reassure others:
-It’s all true!
Screw all web accelerators and that shit.
Chrome is a beast- it swallows up everything I throw to it.
And the speed..
–> beautiful
Some time ago, there was a time when every self-respecting net user had to switch from IE to FF;
I believe that the time is near when FF will be the “second best”.
I just suggest everyone to wait until the FF plugins will work on Chrome and then make Chrome the default browser.
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 23:46
Yeah, I feel the same :) If Chrome will keep up the great work – soon there will be many plugins and yeah..FireFox got some competition :)
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 23:42
At first i heard rumors about this chrome comming out. When i just took a short look on your post, i simply downloaded it on my home pc… It’s amazing so far..
I have to be honest, haven’t got much time this evening to test it, but it looks kewl to me.
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ZerroQ
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 23:42
At first i heard rumors about this chrome comming out. When i just took a short look on your post, i simply downloaded it on my home pc… It’s amazing so far..
I have to be honest, haven’t got much time this evening to test it, but it looks kewl to me.
Dainis Graveris
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 07:09
@Gujna yeah, FireFox always has been used by people, who search for the best in the internet.
And now Chrome just made serious announcement. I hope FireFox will answer of course – and we will get at least one better browser.
@Jim I tried my best, this new browser just caught my attention greatly.
Gujna
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 00:26
Just to reassure others:
-It’s all true!
Screw all web accelerators and that shit.
Chrome is a beast- it swallows up everything I throw to it.
And the speed..
–> beautiful
Some time ago, there was a time when every self-respecting net user had to switch from IE to FF;
I believe that the time is near when FF will be the “second best”.
I just suggest everyone to wait until the FF plugins will work on Chrome and then make Chrome the default browser.
Dainis Graveris
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 23:46
Yeah, I feel the same :) If Chrome will keep up the great work – soon there will be many plugins and yeah..FireFox got some competition :)
Jim Gaudet
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 05:35
I am not a MAC user, but a very detailed post.
Pete
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 21:59
Any idea when it will be available for MAC?
savitri
Friday, December 11th, 2009 17:00
the best browser , google wins again
rubyq
Saturday, November 14th, 2009 17:18
great post – really motivated me to try and am now happily using v4
Dainis Graveris
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 23:32
@Pete no idea yet, little discrimination for MAC users I know. But I suppose fast enough, because there are huge amount of MAC users.
Yeah and this is just beta version for now.
ZerroQ
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 23:05
Since it’s just a v.Beta I’d say as soon as the stable one comes out.