It’s hard to remember a time when Google Chrome was not the world’s most popular web browser, but there was a time. It was September 2nd, 2008 when Google unveiled Chrome in a blog post on the Official Google Blog. Chrome is Google’s open source web browser, and it has definitely changed over the years. However one thing that hasn’t changed is why they launched Chrome. Here’s a quote from that blog post 8 years ago about why they launched Chrome, “because we believe we can add value for users and, at the same time, help drive innovation on the web.” Looking back, Google Chrome did just that, and so much more.
As of right now, Google Chrome holds around 54% of the desktop market share, and about the same for mobile. It’s closest rival, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer sits at around 28%. Chrome has expanded to being more than just a web browser though. It’s actually an operating system, of sorts. Chromebooks, Chromeboxes and other Chrome devices all use the Google Chrome browser as an operating system. In recent months, Chrome OS has been dominating. In fact, Chromebooks recently outsold Apple’s Macs for the first time ever. Which is a really telling measurement, seeing as Macs are (or were) the most popular computer. But Chromebooks are on their way up. Definitely thanks to their low price tag, but also Google’s partnership with schools and bringing Chromebooks into more classrooms.
Google Chrome has added a whole lot of features over the years, and many would say that it has gotten bloated and slow. The Chrome team actually agrees with that, to an extent. Recently, they announced that they were going “back to basics” with Chrome. Which means a lightweight browser, that is lightning fast. A big reason why many switched from Firefox and Internet Explorer over to Chrome in the first place.
If for some reason you haven’t downloaded Google Chrome or have never used it, it’s a free download. It can import your bookmarks from your existing web browser as well. Making the switch to a new browser even simpler than you thought possible.