Googles Fights Back: Upgrades Chrome, Releases Development Version of New Search

In reply to the Microsoft–Yahoo maneuver , Google launched a beta version upgrade to their Chrome Browser last week and announced the launch of a new Google search. It makes obvious sense not to lay still in the water, but the speed of Googles response is impressive. Its upped the ante in a market it already dominates (search) and has added refinements to an area which it seems likely to gain much traction, due to the spartan but effective elegance of the Chrome browser.

First: Chrome Beta

The new beta version is suppose to have improvements to the speed of the browser, to the tab and URL smart bar (referred to as the Omnibox) as well as some stylistic tweaks which allow for customisation. For hopefully an unbiased writeup, see the Google Blog on Chrome.

Image via Wikipedia

I havent had a chance to try the new beta version, but here are some features I like about the previous Chrome browser – which I have been using since late last year.

The use of real estate in the browser is simple and uncluttered, slim lined and elegant. Alot of the clutter seen in other browsers in the banner are hidden due to the removal of the browser title bar.

The URL bar is made a smart one, by acting as a search box, as well as offering suggestions for the terms typed. Nice.

Also, the start page for Chome shows snapshots of the search history of the most recent pages viewed – a good way to pick and choose where to go from.

Some peeves  Ive noticed