Incognito browsing, bookmarks now available
The Google Chrome browser launched in 2008 for desktops and in 2012, the company is announcing the long awaited launch of the browser for Android devices running the latest operating system (Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich), bringing all of the functionality of Chrome to mobile users. Often when a desktop feature becomes available on a mobile device, it is a pared down version, but not in this case, as the full experience is offered on the go.
Google said in a statement that one of their main focuses was bringing speed to mobile browsing – now, when searching, top search results are loaded in the background as you search so that pages appear instantly. Simplicity was another core focus, and Sundar Pichai, SVP, Chrome and Apps said, “We reimagined tabs so they fit just as naturally on a small-screen phone as they do on a larger screen tablet. You can flip or swipe between an unlimited number of tabs using intuitive gestures, as if you’re holding a deck of cards in the palm of your hands, each one a new window to the web.”
Other features include Link Preview so that “hunting and pecking for links” is eradicated as automatic zooming in on links offers precision. Also, the browser will offer incognito browsing for privacy by clicking “settings” and “privacy” so that your browsing instances are not recorded in your history.
Signing in will allow you to open tabs you left open on your computer, autocomplete suggestions based on all Chrome use, and bookmark syncing. Click here to learn how to sync your Google Chrome across all devices.
What if I don’t have Ice Cream Sandwich?
Let’s face it, not everyone has the latest version of Android, so most of this news is something you have to wait for, but there is a core feature that you can sync which is an app that allows you to sync bookmarks between your device and desktop.
Enter ChromeMarks and in seconds you have native access to all of your Google Chrome browser bookmarks. Bookmarks will update automatically if you are signed in to Google Chrome (here is how) on all devices.
It doesn’t offer incognito browsing or faster browsing, but adds a major piece to the puzzle for mobile device users.
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Sarah
February 7, 2012 at 4:43 pm
I'm surprised that Google didn't implement Chrome on its Android phones earlier. I'm sure many Android users are familiar with Chrome and would like to use it on their devices. Furthermore, this could get Android users unaware of Chrome to start using the browser on all of their devices, and perhaps Chrome will snag the elusive number one browser spot.
Sarah
Mosaic Technology
Stephanie Crawford
February 8, 2012 at 1:36 am
I want ice cream sandwich, but I can't figure out a way to upgrade on myna galaxy S….