Chrome Is 'Smart, Innovative'

Google's innovative new browser Chrome could unseat Microsoft's Internet Explorer, but the beta version lacks some important features, Walter Mossberg writes in the Wall Street Journal. Chrome introduces the "Omnibox," a combination search box and address bar, as well as tabs that operate as self-contained browsers. However, its spare design sacrifices common tools such as bookmark management and a progress bar.

Chrome launched pages faster than IE8 in tests, while lagging behind Firefox and Safari. But Google insists Chrome will take the lead as more websites build on JavaScript. "My verdict: Chrome is a smart, innovative browser that will make using the Web faster, easier, and less frustrating," Mossberg writes. "The new browser war is sure to be a worthy contest."