Google Releases Chrome 2.0 Alpha

January 14, 2009 by John Messina

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Google Chrome 2.0 alpha

(PhysOrg.com) -- With the full release of Chrome 1.0 in December, Google has just released Chrome 2.0 alpha that brings many noticeable improvements over Chrome 1.0. With this new alpha release of Chrome 2.0, the browser has been overhauled in which it handles HTTP.

Chrome 2.0 browser also includes the addition of auto-complete in text fields, full page zoom, improvements in spell checker, and auto scroll. Google also states that the 2.0 alpha is more reliable and faster browsing is achieved by accessing your hard drive less often.

Now you can even import bookmarks from Google Bookmarks, a feature that was not found in Chrome 1.0. You also have the ability to drag a tab to certain positions on your monitor and have a docking icon appear.

One interesting feature, worth mention, is the "Profiles" feature in this new release. The "Profiles" feature lets users separate their browser settings, including bookmarks, history, and cookies into different categories. For example if you use your work computer for personal use, you can set up a work profile and a personal profile so that your bookmarks, history and home pages are kept separate.

A new version of WebKit rendering engine has also been implemented in Chrome 2.0 that's the same as the one used in Apple's Safari 3.1 web browser. The new rendering engine enables some CSS coding features such as reflections, masks, gradients, and canvas drawing.

To get the new version of Chrome 2.0 you will need to have Chrome 1.0 installed on your PC. You will also need to subscribe to Google's Developer Preview Channel. Keep in mind that Chrome 2.0 is an alpha release and expect it to crash quite often.

On the web:

Chrome 2.0.156.1 Release Notes: http://dev.chromium.org/getting-involved/dev-channel/release-notes/releasenotes201561

© 2009 PhysOrg.com

• DEEPAKsem09 - Jan 15, 2009
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  Google toolbar available ?
  http://aftom.blogspot.com/
  
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• Ivan2 - Jan 15, 2009
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  No iMac version yet? DIE, CHROME, DIE!(:-)
  
  Ok, seriously, that is delayed a bit too much!
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• sleidia - Jan 15, 2009
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  One thing I hate about Chrome is the fact that you are not asked for a target directory on installation.
  I was like WTF??
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• Ivan2 - Jan 16, 2009
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  One thing I hate about Chrome is the fact that you are not asked for a target directory on installation.

  
  ROFL.
  
  Maybe like everything pc, it will mis-install itself in an off-target misdirectory?
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• Jayman - Apr 12, 2009
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  Ahh...the Mac nuts are in full force. Guys, who cares about Macs anyway? Google doesn't. It is a reliable OS because it only runs 5 apps and NO games - which is good for schools.
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