Google readies 'Metro' Chrome for Windows 8

Search giant Google is preparing a Metro version of its Chrome browser for Microsoft's upcoming flagship operating system Windows 8.

 

Tech site CNET the move should give Windows 8 users an alternative to Microsoft's Internet Explorer 10, the default browser in Windows' Metro interface.

 

"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," CNET quoted a Google representative as saying in an email.

 

Earlier, Mozilla said it is working on its Firefox browser to work in both desktop and Metro modes in Windows 8.

 

CNET quoted the Google representative as saying Chrome will come to Windows 8 Metro when Microsoft's in-development operating system is released to the public.

 

It said this shows Google will be following Microsoft's lead by developing two interfaces for Windows 8: one for Metro, and one for the desktop view.

 

However, it also noted Mozilla had revealed many of the challenges in developing a third-party browser for Windows 8 that go beyond just two different interfaces.

 

Mozilla developer Brian Bondy had cited problems such as a "very large" amount of new code, and a limitation imposed by Microsoft that prevents third-party browsers from running in Metro mode unless they are chosen as the default browser. — TJD, GMA News