Google has launched a brand new web browser called 'Google Chrome'. It is a bit difficult to understand the need for Google to launch another browser of its own when it was already supporting and funding Firefox (Check out here...). Naive as I am in business strategy, let me do what I think I am good at... Evaluation of Google Chrome...
Let’s look at the features of Google Chrome as stated on Google Blog
One box for everything
The address bar serves all your browsing needs Web Search, Web history, suggestions and address bar...
I think:
Nice, Sleek and well implemented...
New Tab Page
Every time you open a new tab, you will see a visual sampling of your most visited sites; most used search engines, recently bookmarked pages and recently closed tabs.
I think:
Other than the recently closed tabs feature (because I tend to close some tabs accidently at times... Still getting used to the touchpad...), I think all the other features are either copied or unnecessary or both.
Use web apps without opening your browser. Application shortcuts can directly load your favourite online apps.
I think:
This is a wonderful feature and I have already created a couple of application shortcuts.
Dynamic Tabs
You can drag tabs out of the browser to create new windows, gather multiple tabs into one window or arrange your tabs however you wish -- quickly and easily.
I think:
So what... I mean... Does Google think that I like to play screen design game on my computer?
Crash Control
Every tab you're using is run independently in the browser, so if one app crashes it won't take anything else down.
I think:
Much required feature... My only concern is that if each tab creates a new process, then it is surely going to be a problem for a 20-30 tab user... Need to check this one with actual tests... So I hold on to my verdict here...
Incognito Mode
Don't want pages you visit to show up in your web history? Choose incognito mode for private browsing.
I think:
This feature is really cool... For obvious reasons... I know that this feature is gonna be a hit with everyone.
Safe Browsing
Google Chrome warns you if you're about to visit a suspected phishing, malware or otherwise unsafe website.
I think:
Big deal... IE has this feature... FF has this feature...
Instant Bookmarks
Want to bookmark a web page? Just click the star icon at the left edge of the address bar and you're done.
I think:
Remember, the star at the right end of the address bar? Guys, you have copied this from FF...
Importing settings
When you switch to Google Chrome, you can pick up where you left off with all the bookmarks and passwords from your existing browser.
I think:
No one would have used Chrome if this feature was not incorporated. Again, every browser I know of has this feature...
Simpler Downloads
No intrusive download manager; you see your download's status at the bottom of your current window.
I think:
Frankly speaking, I don’t mind if my download manager opens another window or sits quietly in the bottom of the browser... As long as it is downloading stuff... that is... Nice feature to have though... Just another unwanted feature you see...
Developer Tools
Included in the menus, are the developer options of "View Source", "Debug JavaScript", "JavaScript console", and "Task Manager".
I think:
Good one for people like me who have habit of copying code whenever they come across a cool JavaScript website... Task Manager feature is a big hit for me... The 'stats for nerds' is another wonderful thing... Google also says that API for third party developers is coming soon... Expect loads of Plug-ins in the days to come...
Configuration
The browser was built with simplicity in mind and there are only a very small set of configuration options to worry about.
I think:
Mission accomplished when you see the minimal configuration settings. No one can beat Google at simplicity. No One...
Memory Test
Now for the most important part... They are fast they say... Let’s check it...
Scenario:
5 Gmail Windows + 3 Google Reader Windows + 5 Google Search + 4 NMIMS Home page Windows + 1 ICICI bank page + 5 Wikipedia Pages + 2 Orkut Pages
I checked memory footprint and number of processes when I open all of this in different tabs in FF and Chrome. The results...
Firefox Memory Footprint
Chrome Memory Footprint
The difference is pretty clear... New process with each tab means loads of processes and loads of memory usage... The bugs related to memory leaks, improper garbage collection, etc will only be evident after I use it for some more time...
Final Verdict
Some features, it scores well... Some features are copied... But all in all, I will give it a score of 3 on 5. (See how a mediocre job hurts when you set a very high benchmark for yourself...)
