Why do people like Google Chrome? The answer lies in the speed that Chrome offers. But this is significant to note if simplicity of Chrome is really what a user desires? Some take this simplicity in a bit different manner by saying that Chrome is plain; so plain that it lacks far behind regarding certain features that are necessary for a sophisticated browser in 2009. And yes! This is true to some extent. But keeping in mind the tender age of Google’s browser, we are able to give it a bit relaxation. Now that Google has released the Chrome 2.0 version, let us see if the simplicity (oh! Plainness) has been gotten rid of or not.

Here is a glance at the new features:

• Enhanced Webkit with some clever CSS features
• Form Autocomplete
• Full-page zoom
• Spell-check upgrading
• Autoscroll
• Docking drawn tabs
• Trades in bookmarks from Google Bookmarks
• Faster and more dependable SafeBrowsing implementation
• Modernized V8 Javascript engine
• Google chrome’s own HTTP network protocol
• Experimental user script support like Greasemonkey
• A new HTTPS-only browsing mode

First of all, we shall talk about the key feature of Chrome; the speed. Chrome 2 is said to be 25% faster than the previous version, thanks to V8; a newer version of JavaScript engine. Page loading happens quickly, and is a smooth experience. Java script enabled websites are also more responsive than before. Google’s V8 Benchmark put Chrome 2 ahead of the latest betas of Safari 4, Opera 10, Firefox 3.6 and IE8 RC1. When SunSpider benchmark tested them, it was ranked 2 immediately after Safari 4 Beta. Latest version of Webkit renders a platform for noteworthy faster page loading.

Now the petty issues! Google has at last introduced certain such features that might be new for Chrome users, but have been there with the other browsers since long. You guessed correctly; I am talking about the full screen mode, form auto-fills, auto-scrolling and zoom. Autofill feature is turned on by default, but one can turn it off deselect ‘Save text from forms to make them easier to fill out’ field in options. You can delete a suggested entry from the dropdown menu by simply hitting the delete key when the entry is selected. If the whole data is to be erased, go to Clear browsing data in the Tools menu (wrench icon) and select ‘Clear saved form data’ checkbox in the Clear Browsing Data dialog.

The autofill feature is naïve enough to differentiate between common web form fields like name, age, address etc. you will have to select the appropriate text manually. It is difficult for me to understand that how come Chrome 2’s autofill feature is so basic, when the Google toolbar for Firefox and IE comes with intelligent autofill feature?

Full screen mode has at last been introduced; but sadly, it is quite useless. Neither can you find any tabs or address bar, nor will you be able to access the toolbars and bookmarks. According to Google, this feature is meant for watching videos and presentations. Again, I cannot understand that when proficient video or presentation players come equipped with the full screen mode, why did Google even think about this unripe option? Full page zooming is also there, with support for entire contents, text and image.

Auto scrolling is happily welcome. Page can be moved in all directions. Spell check in forms is supported further with options to disable the feature and select the language. Tabs can be dragged in order to view two pages side by side in one window.

Though a lot of new features have been introduced in the young one; these are not new for users of other competent browsers. Google is struggling hard to attract users towards Chrome, but the simplicity is not always liked by everyone. Speed, on the other hand, is one great feature of Chrome that can urge one to download the version 2.

Source: pcworld

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