Google Chrome in development for Windows 8

Google has spoken with Mashable to say that they are working on a version of Chrome that will run in the Metro interface of Windows 8. Mozilla are also building Firefox for Metro.

The spokesperson said that Chrome would be based on the desktop browser, instead of the Android version.

The spokesperson said “Our goal is to be able to offer our users a speedy, simple, secure Chrome experience across all platforms, which includes both the desktop and Metro versions of Windows 8. To that end we’re in the process of building a Metro version of Chrome along with improving desktop Chrome in Windows 8 such as adding enhanced touch support.”

If you are already planning to buy a Windows 8 tablet later this year then you can use the same browser you are already using in Windows 7, just redesigned for Metro. The desktop versions will have full touch support.

We still aren't sold on the fact that desktop users will want to use Metro, as it is a concept designed specifically for tablet computers. It may take off, but it seems unlikely.

Mashable add “There was some question until recently whether Microsoft would even allow browsers other than the in-house Internet Explorer to run in Metro. In a recently published white paper, the company revealed that other Metro browsers were welcome, and they’d even get some privileges other Metro apps don’t have (like multitasking). The downside: users will only be able to run a single browser in Metro, the default one.”

Kitguru says: Metro or not, that is the question.

Become a Patron!