Transcripts

Tech Talk - Chrome vs. Internet Explorer

SUSIE GHARIB: It was the talk of the tech world this week, search giant Google rolled out Chrome, its own Internet browser. The move put the pedal to the metal in the browser wars, with Microsoft, Firefox, Apple (AAPL), and now Google, all jockeying for position. Millions of copies of Chrome have been downloaded already, with one of them onto the computer of our own tech guru, Scott Gurvey. In tonight's special "Tech Talk," Scott kicks the tires of chrome.

SCOTT GURVEY, NIGHTLY BUSINESS REPORT CORRESPONDENT: So, does Chrome live up to its hype? I've been testing it for a few days and my answer is no. Maybe someday, but not now. Generally, you don't review a beta, which means rough draft version of a computer program, but Google's big splash invites comparisons with its competitors. Microsoft's Internet Explorer had 72 percent of the browser market in August, followed by Mozilla's Firefox and Apple's Safari. Chrome does have a sleek and uncluttered design. It uses a tab structure which we first saw in Mozilla's Firefox browser, and is now also in Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Browser designers are usually quick to steal a good idea. I really like its opening screen, visually showing you're the most recently visited sites. Its tabs are neat, acting like independent browsers. Google claims its program design makes it faster and more crash resistant. I did find it faster than Explorer, but about the same as Firefox. There were also some sites Chrome could not display and I could not get Chrome to import my Explorer favorites. It doesn't have any way to manage bookmarks either. Chrome has a neat feature that predicts the Web address as you enter it. But I have privacy concerns about how that works. Google did not return phone calls I made to ask questions. Keeping your Web surfing history private is a big issue for the Web users these days. Microsoft's privacy feature, "InPrivate browsing," is turned on by default, but Google's comparable feature, "Incognito," is not. Your surfing history is of great value to Web advertisers, and Web advertising is Google's bread and butter. PC Magazine's Lance Ulanoff says it makes sense for Google to be a player in the browser market.

LANCE ULANOFF, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PC MAGAZINE: It's their way of making sure that Google is front and center 24-7 with the world of online users, critical for Google because its business is all about delivering targeted information to individuals.

GURVEY: Bottom line, Chrome is not ready for prime time, but it is sure to improve and competition is good for the computer industry. On Monday, we plan a special "Tech Talk" on this weekend's release of the computer game "Spore" from Electronic Arts. The legendary Will Wright, creator of "The Sims" and "Sim City," will be here to discuss his latest creation. Scott Gurvey, NIGHTLY BUSINESS REPORT, New York.