AfterDawn: Tech news

Google releases fastest Chrome beta yet

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 04 May 2010 10:49 User comments (18)

Google releases fastest Chrome beta yet Google has said today that the upcoming Chrome beta is the fastest and most efficient yet, seeing a 30 percent increase in the V8 benchmark and 35 percent in the SunSpider benchmark test.
Over the years, Chrome's performance has jumped 213 and 305 percent, respectively, on the benchmark tests. (see the picture)

Users of the latest beta can synchronize their bookmarks on multiple computers as well as browser preferences such as homepage/startup settings, language and themes.

Additionally, you can also now install and use Chrome extensions in "incognito" mode.

Finally, the beta release "contains the goodness of some new HTML5 features, namely Geolocation APIs, App Cache, web sockets, and file drag-and-drop capabilities. Additionally, this is the first Chrome beta that features initial integration of the Adobe Flash Player plug-in with Chrome, so that you can browse a rich, dynamic web with added security and stability -- you’ll automatically receive security and feature updates for Flash Player with Chrome’s auto-update mechanism."



You can download the beta here: https://www.afterdawn.com/software/network/browsers/google_chrome.cfm





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18 user comments

15.5.2010 05:26

nice work google,even though the chrome is the fastest browser already :)
never cease to improve

25.5.2010 20:36

Wow... from clicking the link to fully functional Google Chrome with all bookmarks imported was maybe 1.5 minutes... Quite impressive installation.
It runs pretty good too!

36.5.2010 11:12

I am having Java problems that I did not have with version 4.xx.

46.5.2010 13:49

Although it is fast and simple for those who don't know much they still have some things to change. They can provide a simple UI but still provide flexibility and advanced features too. One big annoyance is how tabs are handled.

If I choose to open a link in a new tab why wouldn't I switch to that tab that I'm opening to see, obviously? Not only do they not do this by default but they don't allow it.

Popups are not handled well either as I've found compared to IE or Firefox.

Bookmarks handle folders the same as links when sorted under Bookmarks, this isn't done that way in other browsers and I prefer having folders first personally. Again there should be options on the manner of sorting Bookmarks. Also Bookmarks can't be displayed as a side window as it can with other browsers to get to them you always have to go to the configure drop down which is very poor. They should again allow you the option to view or not History/Bookmarks on a side window if you wish.

They keep changing how themes and extensions are handled as well and there is now good reason for the changes so now you have a themes and extensions folders that are not used and most everything is handled in chrome.dll.

Which gets me to themes, why can't I store several themes for me to switch between at my convenience? Why do I have to search online every time I want a different theme? This is extremely poor design theory I should be able to switch between themes from the toolbar it should be so difficult to do something that is so simple with other browsers & apps.

When downloading files why can't I download to a folder other than "My Documents/Downloads" ?

As you can see there are many issues with Chrome and I haven't listed all them just some of the major issues. I like Chrome, it is fast, but to be main stream they have a lot of work to do and changing things that don't need changing isn't one of them.

56.5.2010 13:58

I removed Chrome after I found 2 automated hourly tasks hidden under the admin ID that I use 2-3 time a year and not since I installed Chrome. I don't know if I was part of a bot net or if Google had too much balls. I didn't like Chrome anyway. I blew away Chrome and the tasks.

69.5.2010 12:47

I blew off Chrome browser when I found it kept loading up spyware on my poot. Including Doubleclick, which I found out Google now own!

The new FF 3.6+ with the Adblock Plus addon is faster anyway (Spybot immunised)... as I found out ironically enough loading up pages from Afterdawn! Chrome was taking ages compared with AdBlocked Firefox.

79.5.2010 15:23

Originally posted by Mr-Movies:
If I choose to open a link in a new tab why wouldn't I switch to that tab that I'm opening to see, obviously? Not only do they not do this by default but they don't allow it.
Not a big deal for me but it would be nice to have the option of choice, as honestly most of the time when I run across a link I middle click it to open in a new tab while I finish reading where I am at first


Originally posted by Mr-Movies:
Popups are not handled well either as I've found compared to IE or Firefox.
I Agree.


Originally posted by Mr-Movies:
Bookmarks handle folders the same as links when sorted under Bookmarks, this isn't done that way in other browsers and I prefer having folders first personally. Again there should be options on the manner of sorting Bookmarks.
Just adjust via the bookmark manager.


Originally posted by Mr-Movies:
Also Bookmarks can't be displayed as a side window as it can with other browsers to get to them you always have to go to the configure drop down which is very poor. They should again allow you the option to view or not History/Bookmarks on a side window if you wish.
Again I agree that the option to do so would be welcomed though I personally don't use a side window.


Originally posted by Mr-Movies:
They keep changing how themes and extensions are handled as well and there is now good reason for the changes so now you have a themes and extensions folders that are not used and most everything is handled in chrome.dll.

Which gets me to themes, why can't I store several themes for me to switch between at my convenience? Why do I have to search online every time I want a different theme? This is extremely poor design theory I should be able to switch between themes from the toolbar it should be so difficult to do something that is so simple with other browsers & apps.
This is quite odd but I usually stick with one theme for a loooong time and when I want a change it is not that big of a deal but once again the option to do so would be welcomed.


Originally posted by Mr-Movies:
When downloading files why can't I download to a folder other than "My Documents/Downloads"?
You can do this within Options, "Under the hood" tab, Downloads.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 09 May 2010 @ 3:25

89.5.2010 23:37

In reference to my previous post... why are you guys so keen on having spyware loaded up on your poots?

910.5.2010 02:38

@Oner; I did find the Download options after I noticed the slider to get to the bottom of the Hood.

Firefox has increased their loading speed in the new version which is great, however I wouldn't say it was faster than Chrome but it does rate close for speed even with multiple tabs going which in the past Firefox would bog down.

1010.5.2010 04:39

Originally posted by Mr-Movies:

Firefox has increased their loading speed in the new version which is great, however I wouldn't say it was faster than Chrome but it does rate close for speed even with multiple tabs going which in the past Firefox would bog down.
Doh! I said Firefox 3.6+ with the Adblock Plus addon Mr_Movies! Twice!

This addon (with Rick's Easylist subcription... also free) doesn't just prevent ads from showing, it prevents them from actually downloading. Effectively this speeds up your internet browsing, and if you're like me and have a monthly download limit that is also a bonus. I also use Flashblock addon and have it spybot immunised.

Chrome may indeed be "faster" than FF but my actual experience with these very AfterDawn pages was that Chrome was painfully slow loading them compared to Adblocked Firefox.

After all, FF's addons are what make it great to use.

Now... why are people so keen to have spyware installed on their poots tracking their every internet move? I pity the Chinese who use Chrome.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 10 May 2010 @ 4:42

1110.5.2010 05:17

Originally posted by Jemborg:
Originally posted by Mr-Movies:

Firefox has increased their loading speed in the new version which is great, however I wouldn't say it was faster than Chrome but it does rate close for speed even with multiple tabs going which in the past Firefox would bog down.
Doh! I said Firefox 3.6+ with the Adblock Plus addon Mr_Movies! Twice!

This addon (with Rick's Easylist subcription... also free) doesn't just prevent ads from showing, it prevents them from actually downloading. Effectively this speeds up your internet browsing, and if you're like me and have a monthly download limit that is also a bonus. I also use Flashblock addon and have it spybot immunised.

Chrome may indeed be "faster" than FF but my actual experience with these very AfterDawn pages was that Chrome was painfully slow loading them compared to Adblocked Firefox.

After all, FF's addons are what make it great to use.

Now... why are people so keen to have spyware installed on their poots tracking their every internet move? I pity the Chinese who use Chrome.
What are you getting bunged up about first off, and secondly blocking Ad's doesn't necessarily speed up your browsing either as a site might keep trying to load something until it time out and gives up so actually it in some cases can slow down your browser. I'm using 3.6, I'm not using your Ad Blocking plugin, and my Firefox is operating just fine but is not faster than Chrome. I personally don't trust a lot of the plugins for Firefox as they can have spyware in them, from my experience. Even though I may try the plugin you are using, but most probably won't, unless I'm plagued by excessive popups.

By the way you can say something 10 times but that won't change my experience or the reporting of my experiences. You may be right that the AdBlock plugin speeds up surfing and then again maybe not, I still remain skeptical so sorry.

1210.5.2010 14:02

Originally posted by Mr-Movies:
Originally posted by Jemborg:
Originally posted by Mr-Movies:

Firefox has increased their loading speed in the new version which is great, however I wouldn't say it was faster than Chrome but it does rate close for speed even with multiple tabs going which in the past Firefox would bog down.
Doh! I said Firefox 3.6+ with the Adblock Plus addon Mr_Movies! Twice!

This addon (with Rick's Easylist subcription... also free) doesn't just prevent ads from showing, it prevents them from actually downloading. Effectively this speeds up your internet browsing, and if you're like me and have a monthly download limit that is also a bonus. I also use Flashblock addon and have it spybot immunised.

Chrome may indeed be "faster" than FF but my actual experience with these very AfterDawn pages was that Chrome was painfully slow loading them compared to Adblocked Firefox.

After all, FF's addons are what make it great to use.

Now... why are people so keen to have spyware installed on their poots tracking their every internet move? I pity the Chinese who use Chrome.
What are you getting bunged up about first off, and secondly blocking Ad's doesn't necessarily speed up your browsing either as a site might keep trying to load something until it time out and gives up so actually it in some cases can slow down your browser. I'm using 3.6, I'm not using your Ad Blocking plugin, and my Firefox is operating just fine but is not faster than Chrome. I personally don't trust a lot of the plugins for Firefox as they can have spyware in them, from my experience. Even though I may try the plugin you are using, but most probably won't, unless I'm plagued by excessive popups.

By the way you can say something 10 times but that won't change my experience or the reporting of my experiences. You may be right that the AdBlock plugin speeds up surfing and then again maybe not, I still remain skeptical so sorry.

Meh, I'm not at all "bunged up" about it... just making myself clear. I believe it to be a significant issue. However, I do think now you are becoming even more obtuse. I mentioned I said it twice before because that's what I did and you still seemed to miss it LOL. Reporting your "experiences" here is pointless since you admit to not trying AdBlock Plus and give pretty silly reasons for not. :)

"...a site might keep trying to load something until it time out and gives up so actually it in some cases can slow down your browser."... I've never experienced this. You don't know what your talking about here, it's very easy for the addon to report to the site that the page downloaded properly after blocking said ad elements. In other words, how can a site tell if an element has not downloaded properly if that has not been reported for a retry?

I'd be very surprised if Mozilla did not vet it's submitted addons for spyware. Even so, I think by now these very well regarded addons would be outed by now if that was the case. Mozilla has a reputation for safety to protect too. Also, Spybot scanning has not reported any spyware in or from these addons in the years I have used them, but conversely (and this makes you look really silly) HAS every time I ran Chrome browser. Clear them, run CB again, run Spybot, find same spyware again, clear them yet again etc., eventually Google Doubleclick, go to their homepage, find out it is owned by said Google... no thanks... delete CB... that's my real life experience, not a supposed one. I think I made it very plain that I am pretty concerned about spyware... that's why I don't use DoubleClick, I mean Chrome browser. :P

Did you miss that I said that indeed CB was probably faster? There is no need for you to iterate that. In drawing up a complete page it would be... but obviously that is not the point I am making here... dur. But what would I know Mister? I am only relying on real world tests I made on these very AfterDawn pages (amongst others). I guess that's not anywhere near as substantial as your reported hypothetical "experiences" in this.

I am as sceptical as the next guy, but if I dug my heals in in a case like this without having even tried it first (especially considering Chrome browser loads up real actual "seen it with my own eyes" spyware as well)... well... you know where you can stick your pontificating "scepticism" .........................sorry. :D


NB: For anyone with a genuinely open mind see:
http://easylist.adblockplus.org/adblock_plus_faqs.htm
Note FAQ #3... "ABP removes items but the item is still downloaded...."
FALSE!

There is also there EasyPrivacy, an "additional tracking & privacy invasion blocker" subscription. Yes, it's free too.
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 10 May 2010 @ 2:24

1310.5.2010 15:17

Jemborg
Your assumption of course is wrong about not noticing you said it twice, I knew exactly what you were saying. You sure carry on and on, well I'm not going to bite further than this as your not worth the waste of time, of course, and why bloat the thread with that nonsense.

Google Chrome
I like Chrome and block their googleupdate.exe program so I don't get a lot of crap loaded on my PC. I think though that IE and FF are better I wouldn't have said that about FF a year ago though. Speed was a big problem and plugins too with FF, they have improved the speed but you'll always have issues with plugins as long as anyone can produce them or repack them. I also like Avantbrowser which runs on top of IE better than Chrome but still Chrome is probably better for a novice than any of the others so when helping the average Joe I'll introduce them to Chrome.

Oner
I played with the Bookmarks and I can manually change their positioning (order) by moving them in the Other bookmarks tab but this is much more work then it should be. The Resort in the Hood is worthless for what I wish to have.

1410.5.2010 18:10

What-ever.

:D

1510.5.2010 23:48

Tried chrome, got so many problems with Trojans and spy-ware, that I deleted and went through process of eliminating all the crap I got,FF has been the best so far, have latest version of FF, with no problems. I saw no disclaimer from chrome about all the stuff they add onto your computer, it acted like malware.

1611.5.2010 23:39

Originally posted by bmlshane:
Tried chrome, got so many problems with Trojans and spy-ware, that I deleted and went through process of eliminating all the crap I got,FF has been the best so far, have latest version of FF, with no problems. I saw no disclaimer from chrome about all the stuff they add onto your computer, it acted like malware.
Bingo! Right on.

And if Chrome is effectively slower than FF with the AdBlock Plus Addon... why bother with it? Google are never gonna support adblocking.

1712.5.2010 00:05

Hummmmm, wonder why I'm not plagued with spyware when using Chrome? Maybe it is because I'm not using AdBlock Plus.... Heheheheheeeee
:^) Your amazing plugs

1812.5.2010 00:17

Originally posted by Mr-Movies:
Hummmmm, wonder why I'm not plagued with spyware when using Chrome? Maybe it is because I'm not using AdBlock Plus.... Heheheheheeeee
:^) Your amazing plugs
Jeez, D**khead... I'm not making any money on it.

You're amazingly obtuse. Of course I don't have spyware now. Only when I was using Chrome... I reckon you're the one keen on making plugs here.

Tried running Spybot lately?

:^D
Heheheheheheheheheheheheeeeeeeeeeeee

EDIT: btw, I personally would be thrilled if you stuck with Chrome etc. :D
This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 12 May 2010 @ 12:33

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