Microsoft wants to be willing to support third-party browsers in its new operating system.
Even though Internet Explorer will get a huge makeover in Windows 8, and Microsoft will no doubt make a strong marketing push to get consumers aware of that, it still wants to be friendly to those who prefer other browsers.
Case in point – there will be a Chrome browser specifically designed for Microsoft’s upcoming OS redesign. Microsoft no doubt helped Google in terms of making Windows 8 access and information available.
“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,” said Google in a statement.
Google engineer Carlos Pizano said that the “initial releases of Chrome in Metro mode will include integration with the basic Windows 8 system functionality, such as charms and snap view” and later the plan is to try “smoothing out the UI on Metro and improving touch support, so please feel free to file bugs.”
Internet Explorer is still the #1 browser, but as opposed to the past when it held a monopolistic 90%+ of the market, it’s now sinking below 50%.
Chrome is the fastest-growing browser right now and it is thanks to moves like this when it shows it can support new platforms so users can enjoy the experience of Chrome whenever they want.
