Google launches Chrome for Android beta for Ice Cream Sandwich devices

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Google just announced on the Google Chrome Blog the long-rumored release of Google Chrome for Android Beta. The initial release focuses on bringing three main aspects of the Chrome browser for desktops, with Google’s blog post highlighting “Speed,” “Simplicity,” and “Sign in” as the browser’s main features.

After a few minutes of use, all we can say is, “Wow!” Without a doubt, this is the most advanced mobile browser we have ever seen—extremely quick, great transforms.  The question we have to ask, however, is: What does this mean for Chromebooks?  If I can get an ASUS Transformer with Keyboard and this very awesome Chrome implementation, why am I going to buy an Intel-based Chromebook for almost the same amount?

As for “Speed,” Google noted the browser loads a user’s top search results in the background, and also implements a version of the desktop browser’s omnibox. “Simplicity” is courtesy of brand new UI, specifically focusing on redesigned tabs for the smaller screen that allow you to “swipe between an unlimited number of tabs” as if you were holding a deck of cards. The browser also includes several privacy features from the desktop version, such as incognito mode and “fine-grained privacy options.” However it is the Sign In features that really make Chrome for Android the best browser option for Chrome users…

“Sign in” features offer integration with Chrome on other devices, allowing you to view open tabs from your desktop session, sync bookmarks, and get suggestions based on browsing history from Chrome on a Mac or PC. As long as you are signed in when browsing on a desktop, you will be able to pick up and continue a session on Chrome for Android.

Chrome for Android Beta is now available from the Android Market in “select countries” and compatible with phones and tablets running Android 4.0. You can also check a list of supported countries.

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Related articles

• Google updates Chrome with multiple user profiles (9to5google.com)
• Google announces the next version of Android: Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) (9to5google.com)
• Google rolling out Android 3.2 to Google TVs, making way for Ice Cream Sandwich soon (9to5google.com)