Google Chrome - Just Another Web Browser
In case you missed it, the big tech news last week was Google’s introduction of a new web browser titled Chrome. Numerous tech bloggers jumped on the band wagon with first-impression reviews and tech analysts speculated whether this new browser meant Google was taking on Microsoft. Now that the hype is starting to settle it’s time to take a step back and see Chrome for exactly what it is: just another web browser.
Which browser is Chrome really competing with?
Yes, Google is a giant in the world of tech and so too is Microsoft. I suspect there are tech analysts that have been waiting for Google to take on a Microsoft stronghold. To a certain extent Chrome does represent the moment some have waited for; however, is Google really taking on Microsoft or are they taking on FireFox, Opera, and yes even Safari?
Personal preference drives browser choice for some
Non-Microsoft browsers have been around for a long time, and yet Internet Explorer remains number one. And while I am a loyal Firefox user, it’s not because I sat around and determined which browser was technically superior. I use Firefox because I like it better than the other browsers out there. Simply put, it’s a personal choice and not a technically one. And “personal preference” is exactly how many computer enthusiasts decide which applications to use. But what about the average computer user?
Basic availability drives browser choice for everyone else
The average computer user doesn’t care about alternate browser options. Internet Explorer is already installed on their computer and prominently displayed on their computer’s desktop. They simply don’t see a decision because their is only one option already on their computer. The average computer user might have heard of alternative browsers, but they see no need to switch because Internet Explorer does what they need. Some extremely non-technical users even believe that Internet Explorer “is” the Internet. How does Google expect to win over an audience that doesn’t care and might not even know the difference?
Chrome is just another browser fighting for the number two spot
Chrome will certainly become the browser of choice for some users; however, unless Chrome can get itself pre-installed on mainstream computers and then get the message out to average computer users that Chrome is something for web surfing, Google’ browser is destine to fight for the number two position against Firefox, Opera, Safari and whatever else is out there. Chrome is certainly worth trying out. You might even find that you like it better than your current browser. But just because Chrome has the backing of major tech giant Google doesn’t mean it can take on Microsoft for the number one browser spot. In the end Chrome is just another browser.
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Filed under: Tech Commentary
What if my computer browser and phone browser were the same? The day will come when more internet users are on phones than on computers.
Watched a good conversation about this on Cranky Geeks. They came up with a much more intriguing possibility than just striving for #2:
Chrome is a key component in Google’s attempt to take over the world by directing all traffic through Google infrastructure via (”free”) Google apps and operating systems (for phone any day now and for PC someday?)
Makes sense to me. I’m so tired of Windows bloat and lethargy that I just bought an iMac for the family.
Now that’s another angle I wasn’t thinking of; however, do an ad hoc user poll. Talk to a sampling of average computer users not from the tech field and find out if a web enabled phone is something they want and if so, is it something they’re willing to pay extra for. Probably not. Then ask them if they want Google Chrome on their cell phone and they’ll probably tell you they’d prefer a different color.
I think that when 90% of PC’s are use by ‘non geeks’ then whatever browser came with the PC is what will be used. Fast forward six years to a time where Google has a free equivalant to Windows and this is installed on the majorty of new PC’s (saving $70 or so on each PC). You now have Chrome well on the way to being the number 1 browser.
6 years out is a lifetime in the world of tech; however, anything is possible. For the time being, however, I still believe that Chrome is just competing for the number 2 position. Not that there is anything wrong with that (to quote Seinfeld), but Chrome doesn’t represent the battle of 2 tech giants that the news reporters want it to be. Thanks for the comment Ps3 Man.
I have heard a lot about this new chrome browser, but I have to say I am still a loyal Firefox user. I think Chrome will need to prove itself before it can take on the likes of Firefox and Safari… I guess it´s healthy competition?
Yep, competition is a good thing and only time will tell whether Chrome provides enough benefits to user to make it worth switching.
Thanks for the comment.
I have installed it, but haven’t tried it a lot. And i will not until they start building plugins database. Simply Firefox, currently, offers much more possibilities, and i won’t be changing for some time surely.
Thanks for the comment Catrin. The other thing your comment made my think about is the idea of “switching.” Is it necessary to use only one browser? While Firefox is my preferred browser, I still use IE on occasion. I think a lot people actually use 2 different browsers on a regular basis. Makes me wonder where Chrome will fit in for multi-browser users.
i’m satisfied with chrome, i can’t complain , didn’t have any problems with it … but really opera is the greatest, no one can compare with it