Applauded for its speed and simplicity, and with initial security and stability concerns seemingly addressed, Google’s shiny Chrome browser has proven itself to be a worthy alternative to the likes of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and Mozilla’s Firefox platforms.
Having already received a modest but fairly enthusiastic reception by those running Windows-equipped systems, curious Mac and Linux users eager to see what all the fuss is about will also soon be given access to Chrome as Google prepares to take aim at Apple’s Safari browser.
According to Brian Radowski, product manager for Chrome, the browser’s expanded development should see it ready for release on systems running Mac OS X and open-source Linux before the close of the year’s second quarter.
“[The first half of 2009] is what we’re hoping for,” commented Radowski in a recent CNET interview. “Those two efforts are proceeding in parallel. They’re at the same level of progress.”
It would appear that progress is still fairly limited however, with Radowski outlining that development is presently at the “test shell” stage, which means the basic platforms offer nothing more than simple Web page viewing at this point.
It’s more than likely that the Mac and Linux versions will be released sporting all the latest development additions that are presently being incorporated into the existing Windows edition.
Some of those new features include improvements to WebKit and V8 JavaScript technologies, automatic URL address completion, full page zooming, browser profiles, enhanced browsing security, and the necessary framework for the eventual support of Firefox-esque browser extensions.
Search giant Google has said it intends to release official Chrome upgrades once per quarter as it continues to nurture the reputation of its platform.
RBJan 18th, 2009 - 15:20:49
I wish Mac and Linux users didn't have to wait so long for a Chrome port (the people at Crossover Office ported an experimental version called Chromium, though it's generally very buggy). As far as Linux goes, later is better than never since we're often ignored by the mainstream software world. In the meanwhile, Firefox and Opera serve me just fine.
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