SAN FRANCISCO: Google released a new version of its Chrome Web browser, as the search giant continues its efforts to get a foothold in a market dominated by Microsoft Corp.
The new Chrome represents the first major update of the software aimed at the general public since Google entered the browser business six months ago.
According to a post on Google's blog, the new Chrome beta loads certain types of Web pages 25 per cent to 35 per cent faster than the current version of the browser.
It offers Web surfers faster performance and a handful of new features, such as auto-filling of personal information on online forms and a new way for users to drag around tabs of different Web pages within the browser window.
Google was a distant No.4 in the browser market, with 1.2 per cent share of the worldwide market in February, according to market research firm Net Applications.
Microsoft's Internet Explorer dominates the market, with a 67.4 per cent market share in February, while the Mozilla foundation's Firefox browser had a roughly 22 per cent share. Apple's Safari browser had an 8 per cent share.
Last month, Google officially joined the European Union's antitrust case against Microsoft, describing the browser market as "largely uncompetitive." The EU has charged Microsoft with abusing its dominant market position by bundling its Internet Explorer Web browser with its Windows personal computer operating system.
The new features were previously available to programmers using the "developer" version of Chrome, but Google has now packaged all the updates together into a more reliable beta test version that is available for download.
Google also has a more polished, so-called stable version of Chrome, based on the older beta version.
Chrome is not suitable for yahoo groups. It filters out your reply or posting and makes a blank posting. Message 30812 was posted using chrome. This message with Firefox.
I have made many dummy postings in PS group. Otherwise chrome is fast and very user friendly. Sampath