Why Google Chrome?

I’m trying to understand why Google is releasing a browser. I’m sure there’s a very good reason. When Apple announced it’s Safari browser for Windows, it didn’t make much sense - why enter the battle ground of browsers? Well, as was evident once Apple released the iPhone, Safari is a browser that helps to bridge the transition from Microsoft to Apple computing devices. Safari for Windows was more about introducing a new audience to Apple than about trying to create a better browser. Google is expected to release its new browser - Chrome - today. A short comic book overview of Chrome is available. While the official marketing message is about creating a more stable, safe, functional, and user-friendly online experience, the message I think is more inline with Apple’s move. Google offers significant support for Mozilla, so in theory, they don’t need a browser. But, Google also recognizes that if the web is the “new” operating system, then a browser is the key battle ground for control.

Google asks us to make a simple sacrifice: they’ll make the online experience much simpler in exchange for our ongoing reliance on their products. Tying together our gmail, search, and other online activities will be a valuable addition. Focused advertising based on our online habits is the logical next step (it already happens in gmail, google groups). But Google does more. Google also promises to filter sites. In theory this is good. In actuality, this moves Google away from being a neutral provider to assigning a value statement of content. Obviously, given the amount of junk online, this is important. I just don’t want the same company that provides the access to also provide a value statement. How much longer can Google innovate the web before it crosses over to controlling it (a strong argument could be made that this has already happened)? Out of Microsoft and into Google…