Google Chrome

Today, Tuesday Google will officially release the beta version of their new browser CHROME.

From Goog's Official blog they point out some points of differentiation as to why a new Browser to take on IE and Firefox:

What we really needed was not just a browser, but also a modern platform for web pages and applications

On the surface, we designed a browser window that is streamlined and simple. To most people, it isn't the browser that matters. It's only a tool to run the important stuff -- the pages, sites and applications that make up the web. Like the classic Google homepage, Google Chrome is clean and fast. It gets out of your way and gets you where you want to go.

Under the hood, we were able to build the foundation of a browser that runs today's complex web applications much better. By keeping each tab in an isolated "sandbox", we were able to prevent one tab from crashing another and provide improved protection from rogue sites. We improved speed and responsiveness across the board. We also built a more powerful JavaScript engine, V8, to power the next generation of web applications that aren't even possible in today's browsers.

This is just the beginning -- Google Chrome is far from done. We're releasing this beta for Windows to start the broader discussion and hear from you as quickly as possible. We're hard at work building versions for Mac and Linux too, and will continue to make it even faster and more robust.

Google also created a comic book that takes us on a tour. See it here.

Why is this important for us radio folks?

• Let it serve as a reminder that leaders lead. Google is a leader and they are not content to have the best search engine in the business. They want it all. Radio take note.
• Technology continues to move at warp speed and radio is still tinkering with digital radio 1.0.
• Take note of the commitment to open source. Proprietary apps and closed architecture will continue to evaporate. This is important especially when we are thinking about our local station on-line communities. Sure build your own and build your database, but don't forget to be on Facebook, Twitter, and wherever else your listeners are already loitering.
• Be flexible, versatile, and nimble. Not because you want to, but because you NEED to.
• Don't forget--Google is all about the money, profits, and growth. What innovations can radio stations roll out? Think entertainment and technology. For radio the two will go hand in hand.