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Chrome, Google’s very own browser is out of the beta stage. Just about 100 days after the launch, Google has swiftly released the tool from the cradle. In those 100 days, Chrome is claiming over 10 million active users worldwide and has seen 14 updates. Now with latest 15th update Google has removed the “beta” label. Quite a quick coming of age for the browser indeed.
A Better Browser
Since its launch, Chrome has seen a number of improvements that have made it more stable and perform well overall. Some of the improvements include audio and video bug fixes, a bookmark manager, faster V8 JavaScript engine and more accessible privacy settings. Thanks to the Google development team who has been working hard and the feedback from users, Chrome is today a better browser then it was when it first came out.
Google in a Hurry?
The short beta stage that Chrome had is interesting. Especially when you go to Gmail and see the “beta” tag still stamped on the top left corner. Why was Google in a hurry with Chrome while they continue to test the mail service? Maybe there was a business need for Google to get over the beta testing stage quickly with a client software application that Chrome certainly is. Delaying the testing period would have meant making it untouchable to many potential customers like Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). On the other hand, applications like Gmail which are “cloud-based” can remain in the beta stage till Google feels that there are major features that should be added.
More to Come
Google says there is more on the horizon. Chrome would soon have features like form autofill and RSS support. Mac and Linux versions are in the pipeline and an extensions platform (similar to add-ons in Firefox) is also being developed.
Way to Go
Chrome today has become a choice for surfers the world over. Its market share has steadily risen and it is now up to 4th place among browsers. It is above Opera and if the current trend is any indication it will soon be in the top 3. Who knows – maybe it will even topple FireFox and Explorer one day! Anything is possible. 
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6 Responses to “Chrome Comes Out of the Beta Cradle”
Yes, Chrome has quickly captured the imagination of surfers worldwide. Of course the Google tag has certainly helped. Still there are lots of features that makes it different from other browsers, the reason why it has become “a choice” for surfers.
December 15th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
I have used Chrome from day 1 and soon it became my 2nd most favorite browser. Granted its far better than IE, but to rub shoulders with Firefox, there is still some way to go. I’ve been impressed by Chrome’s speed and ease of use but the absence of add-ons and not-so-good video viewing experience have been real let downs.
December 15th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Its amazing to see that Google has improvised its own browser features to make it better, in such a short time. And what Google brings out (in its features for any software product) has always been one up on the top.
Way to go Google.
December 15th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
so fasttttttttttt!Way to go Google! I guess chrome is still having a group difficult to penetrate- the orthodox IE and mozilla users.
December 15th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
I’m flabbergasted…. out of beta? So quickly? How could this come out before Gmail and Docs? Much to early…and without mac and linux versions too. But this is enough to quench the thirst of eager customers of this open source browser. Google message earlier stated that Chrome would hatch out of beta by January.
December 16th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Google pretty much degraded the meaning of ‘beta’ anyway, so this doesn’t really shock me. This would be Google’s first product to get an early beta removal. Funny, yet to add Mac and Linux versions.
December 18th, 2008 at 6:06 am