Introduction: In an analysis article published by Forbes on Thursday, it was stated that Google's newly launched Chrome browser currently relies on PCs, but industry insiders claim that the true potential of this browser lies in the wireless domain.
Senior analyst at Yankee Group, a prominent American research firm, Josh Martin, said: "In a 'fully connected' world, the ability to transition experiences between various devices is crucial, and Chrome serves as clear evidence of Google's attempt to dominate all devices."
Google began conceptualizing the Chrome project two years ago, referring to this browser as a "modernized platform for web pages and applications." The function of the Chrome browser within PCs acts as a "ramp" leading to websites and applications, which largely does not differ from Microsoft's IE or Mozilla's Firefox. The only unique aspect is that Chrome is cleaner and faster. Analysts pointed out that the characteristics of Chrome are particularly suited for integration into mobile devices.
Analysts stated that Chrome has a natural advantage in the wireless field due to Google's plan to launch its open-source wireless platform, Android, by the end of the year. Google previously disclosed that Android's browser is based on Webkit open-source technology, which has already been used in Apple's iPhone and Nokia's 60 series phones' browsers. On Tuesday, Sergey Brin, one of Google's co-founders, confirmed that Chrome features might be integrated into Android in the coming months.
Jamie Hunter, co-founder of AndroidGuys.com, a site tracking Android-related news, said that while the first Android phone expected to hit the market in October is unlikely to include Chrome features, subsequent models could have this possibility. "Chrome's ultimate destination may be a wireless upgrade version, intended for all future Andoid phones," he added.
Hunter noted that the battle among PC browsers has lasted for many years, but the wireless network domain remains relatively open, especially in the U.S. — Mozilla hasn't introduced Firefox to mobile phones yet, Microsoft's IE is widely regarded as "clumsy and hard to use," and Apple's Safari is limited to application on iPhones. This "vacuum" has benefited Opera Software of Norway, turning its developed browser into the primary choice for many users. Its Mini browser already has 16 million monthly subscription users, with user numbers growing nearly 10% per month.
Google has never hidden its ambitions in the wireless field and is planning to launch wireless advertising. Schmidt has repeatedly stated that profits from wireless advertising will eventually surpass traditional online advertising. Last month, Google started testing display ads in YouTube wireless video clips.
Analysts stated that Chrome will work alongside other applications like Google Maps to open up the wireless advertising market. Frank Dickson, Chief Research Officer at MultiMedia Intelligence, said: "The combination of positioning, maps, and advertising on wireless platforms will change the rules of the game, and Google might have this idea in mind. During the second-quarter earnings call, Brin told analysts that location-based data will promote the development of the wireless advertising market."
Martin stated that Google is likely to continue employing more clever tricks, and releasing Chrome's source code aims to utilize ideas and achievements from external developers, "just as Apple has shown, third-party developers can create personalized experience applications."
Analysts also expect that Google will add synchronization functions to Chrome, allowing Chrome on PCs and Chrome on wireless devices to share information. This function could apply to areas such as browsing history or bookmarked sites. Martin pointed out: "Google now has the ability to tightly integrate wireless devices, operating systems, and browsers, and their combination will produce incredible, human-like capabilities to understand user information."
Of course, consumers might feel uneasy about this level of "surveillance." Martin said that to alleviate users' concerns, Chrome must load web pages faster than other browsers and be more convenient to operate, "these are things that resonate immediately with consumers."
If Google wants to bring Chrome to wireless devices outside of Android, it must persuade device manufacturers and even wireless carriers, which might be difficult because these companies are developing their own wireless devices and proprietary software packages. For instance, AT&T is developing a Pogo browser based on Firefox, although so far this browser is only applicable to PCs. Martin said: "This is where the real challenge lies."
Source: Sina Tech