Finally Time For a Google Browser?
According to the New York Times, Google has a serious problem with the fact Microsoft's new IE 7 browser has a box in the upper right-hand corner that sends people to MSN search. Google claims this could give Microsoft an advantage in attracting Web traffic and advertising revenue. Whether Google's concerns are justified is left to be seen but it does offer more evidence Google will eventually launch its own Web browser. As the world's leading Web services company, it makes little sense not to own the “operating system” used by consumers when they go online. Why let the evil competition control how people get through the doors when you can have your own door, right? Of course, it could be argued that Firefox is Google's de facto browser but Google doesn't own or control Firefox. In an idea world (at least according to Larry Page and Sergey Brin), a Google browser would likely offer easy, one-click access to Google services such as search, GMail, Talk, Writely, Finance etc. So let's turn around the question and ask why Google hasn't launched a browser yet? Why has it focused on me-too services (blog search) and small, strategic acqusitions when a browser seems like a no-brainer? It's difficult coming up with solid reasons other than perhaps Google believes Firefox can meet its needs with some financial and other support. But if you read the tea leaves (and some of the quotes in the NYT story), it is difficult not to get the impression Google's could jump into the browser market as a means to protect its search business from Microsoft. For more views, check out Nicholas Carr and Nial Kennedy.
Update: Check out Explorer Destroyer, which provides details on how Google is offering people $1 for referring IE users to Firefox.
May 1st, 2006 at 10:50 am
Seems like a logical progression to me. I find myself using more and more Google services. Desktop search, GMail (my primary e-mail now), GTalk, … I'm even going to import my Outlook calendar to Google Calendar today.
One browser to rule them all would make sense. Heck, they could even follow the Opera model and have ad in the browser itself. Though I think that's over kill.
May 1st, 2006 at 10:56 am
I'm surprised that no one has asked if these decisions by Google (ie., not to do a browser) aren't motivated by antitrust in the USA and EU.
May 1st, 2006 at 3:26 pm
There seems to be a lot of people asking why Google hasn't expanded into other areas (browsing, OS, office type products). Google came out with a few good products and people are anxious to get those features into other areas of their Internet experience. I think Google is taking a great approach by resisting the urge to jump into numerous markets at one time and instead focusing on what they are good at.
We do not want Google to expand into other areas too quickly. Too many products usually means less time spent developing each, thus quality suffers. This is the very problem Microsoft is having, they (Microsoft) simply have trouble keeping up in all markets because they are spread a bit too thin and they become sluggish.
I am sure when Google has their ducks lined up in a row, they will be venturing out into markets like browsing… they just need patience and time from all of us.
May 1st, 2006 at 7:25 pm
I would think that it's clear why Google isn't launching their own browser. They're funnelling millions into Mozilla in a way that probably can withstand scrutiny (eg “we merely compensate Mozilla for the traffic they bring us”) and directly employ several Mozilla developpers. As such I very much doubt if they don't get a say in what defaults Firefox gets released with.
If on the other hand they released their own browser they're in danger of having the same accusations thrown their way as they're currently throwing Microsoft's way. It's much, much safer and hence more profitable for them to influence a browser they can claim they don't own yet still fund and (agressively) promote. That way they can still rally against Microsoft for anything it might do that threatens their own market share yet still claim the underdog role at the hands of an “evil” coorporation.