When Google released the beta version of Google Chrome earlier this year it was received with a mixed reception. The browser that had been announced as faster and more secure then either Firefox or Internet Explorer proved instead to be little more than a cosmetic alternative. Now however, Google is ramping up its Chrome promotion campaign by cutting default stature from Firefox.
Until recently Firefox had been the default browser selected as part of the Google Pack. For those unfamiliar with it, the Google pack is a set of productivity applications that Google packages for users. The package includes applications such as Spyware Doctor, Picasa, Adobe Reader, Google Earth, Norton Security Scan, and now Google Chrome. Advanced users won’t likely be bothered by the need to select one extra option. Casual users on the other hand are unlikely to go through the extra trouble, and will accept whatever is given to them by default. Additionally, Google has also removed all of the Firefox promotions that used to be included in Google Properties. Mozilla Firefox is depended on Google as their main source of income so if Google continues to aggressively oppose Firefox the company could find themselves in economic hardship.
A second part of the Google Chrome campaign is actually set to put Internet Explorer in more damage than Firefox. Google reportedly plans to sign a deal starting in 2009 which would have computer manufactures preinstall Google Chrome as the default browser on computers. It has long been acknowledged that casual users will remain with whatever default internet browser is installed on their computer. This is primary factor in why Internet Explorer remains the most used Internet Browser despite numerous superior alternatives. A distributer for the deal hasn’t been announced but if it ends up being a partnership with a computer giant such as Dell, this could upset the current browser war into Google’s favor.
– Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department
