Google Chrome Beta Shadows iGoogle with Drag and Drop, Themes
There is a new beta build for Google Chrome -- 3.0.195.4-- out today, featuring 30 percent faster processing and HTML5 functionality. I penned the details at eWEEK here. I just downloaded Chrome 3.0.195.4 and welcome the new features. Website thumbnails were previously static on the New Tab page, but there is now drag-and-drop functionality, enabling users to click a thumbnail and move it anywhere on the page. This mirrors the functionality Google provides users with Google gadgets on their iGoogle pages:
Mouse over any thumbnail and you'll be able to hide it from view, or pin it to the spot. You can always undo the thumbnails you pin, and toggle back and forth between thumbnail or list view. Note the pin icon in the upper left corner of the Google Web page thumbnail:
The Omnibox has also been revamped with icons to help users differentiate what kind of sites you've got in the tickler file, including suggested sites and bookmarks:
While Chrome programmers claim the Omnibox is "is indisputably an important part of Google Chrome," I confess that I'm not overwhelmed by it. But that's because I use the Website thumbnails in the New Tab page so much. I tend to just click on my iGoogle thumbnail and do searches from there. Unlike in Firefox, where I use its drop-down address and search quite a bit, the iGoogle thumbnail in the New Tab page satisfies all of my needs. For my purposes, the Omnibox is overkill. Am I alone? Sorry, Google. Just as the drag-and-drop thumbnails recall iGoogle gadget functionality, the new Chrome Themes Gallery lets you choose how you want your Web browser to look -- just like iGoogle. There are 29 choices, which you can find here. Just click to apply themes. I honestly haven't decided which one I want to use. It might be Baseball:
Though I can see that green grass clashes against my bright Batman theme for my iGoogle page. It won't be Legal Pad. Ugghhhh:
What is your favorite new feature in Chrome 3.0.195.4? Why? What do you want to see the Chrome programmers do next? (Besides work on the Mac and Linux versions.) More takes on the new and improved Chrome on TechMeme here. |
Comments (13)
All those themes are awful and the themes that aren't awful are God-awful! LOL I think kindergarteners designed them. "Zen Spirit" is the only OK theme.
The Omnibox: I kind of like it but wish it would function like other address bars, especially the drop-down menu.
The new New Tab page is nice.
Posted by iChrome | August 5, 2009 11:07 PM
Nice roundup. Thanks for the overview and especially the screenshots :D
Chrelad
Posted by Chrelad | August 5, 2009 11:43 PM
I love chrome browser, I have used it since day 1! It is light and fast, it has never crashed on me, not once. I find it so much cleaner and easier than firefox...and I am a power user.
Posted by Nicholas | August 6, 2009 12:34 AM
Unless they add some kind of AdBlocker like Firefox, Chrome is useless. FF is still the way to go.
Posted by eddiexvf | August 6, 2009 1:05 AM
You're alone. The world loves the Omnibox.
Posted by Pee | August 6, 2009 2:58 AM
I have yet to see why anyone would use a beta browser, unless you are a developer. This browser has been Beta since the day it was announced and forced to the front page of Google for unsuspecting web users to download. Unknowingly these users become lab rats for a browser that is still that may never become a fully functional stable version.
Chrome is a waste of time for review or use if it will never come out of Beta.
Posted by Google Junky | August 6, 2009 5:16 AM
2 things discribe Google chrome SPEED and DEPENDABILITY
Posted by Joe | August 6, 2009 8:35 AM
I disagree. It's really fast on my eee pc 1000 netbook. I use Chrome and Firefox. depends what mood I'm in.
Posted by Clint Boulton
| August 6, 2009 9:06 AM
I stand corrected.... and alone. :)
Posted by Clint Boulton
| August 6, 2009 9:07 AM
Chrome IS out of beta, has been since last December. This new build is a beta, however. You must be a Firefox fanatic.
Posted by Clint Boulton
| August 6, 2009 9:18 AM
I love the Omnibox and I like being able to pin my thumbnails down now. But I really miss the recent bookmarks box :(
Posted by Leslie | August 7, 2009 3:27 PM
I like google Chrome because it is fast to load on my computer and fast to bring up sites. The browser site navigation is almost non existant preventing me from using it very much. It seems like it takes a long learning curve to use it.
Posted by Maurice | August 21, 2009 4:50 PM
My autistic granddaughter would benefit from a full page of thumbnails that are specific to her needs and would allow me to edit to avoid errors and porno with similar names. The page would be static and only update when a permission was added. She could select a bookmark with her name and maybe picture I would download to the book mark.
Since all the functions exist and not all your customers are adults the ability to have multiple full page thumbnails would be efficient for a large crowd of users especially children and maybe even offer an option for parents of teens.
Posted by jim kersey | August 28, 2009 6:57 PM