Google's open-source web browser, Google Chrome, was released in beta in September of 2008 for the PC, and the browser has been something Google has been planning and debating to launch a few years before it actually launched. After approximately three months of beta testing, Google Chrome was removed from beta in mid-December of 2008.CNET: Google Chrome breaks out of beta (December 11, 2008) On January 9, 2009, representatives announced that versions of Chrome for Mac and Linux operating systems would likely be available in the first half of the year.CNET: Chrome gets Mac deadline, extensions foundation (January 9, 2009)

In March 2009, Google Chrome launched a new edition of its beta version. The beta version is said to be faster than the regular Google Chrome but less stable. Users can choose if they want to use the beta version or the regular Google Chrome.The Washington Post: Google Chrome Unleashes a Speedier Beta (March 17, 2009)

On July 7th, 2009 Google announced Google Chrome OS http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/introducing-google-chrome-os.html

On November 19th, 2009 Google presents Google Chrome OS at its Mountain View headquarters.http://www.pcworld.com/article/182475/5_expectations_for_googles_chrome_os_event.html

On December 8th, 2009 Google Chrome was launched for Mac.

Google Chrome features a different kind of tab system from other browsers. The tabs sit on top of the window, rather than within it. Each tab has its own memory and processes. Much like in an operating system, tabs and processes are overseen by a task manager program.Blogoscoped: Google on Google Chrome

Users can also create an incognito window, in which none of the activity will be logged. This feature is similar to the Internet Explorer 8 InPrivate option announced in late August of 2008.Blogoscoped: Google on Google Chrome

In late January of 2009, the Japanese Google team created a short promotional video for Chrome, which was uploaded to YouTube. The video features a Google Chrome icon on a tray with a collection of children's wooden blocks. As is travels back and forth across the tray, the icon knocks out each of the blocks after hitting them. By the end of the video, the tray is nearly empty and resembles a Google Chrome browser window.YouTube Video: Google Chrome, Japan (Time: 0:36)

"Google browser is going to be a tough sell. This is an obvious attempt to dig a moat."—Randy HollowayTwitter: Google browser is going to be...

"I think Chrome is not aimed at competing with Firefox. Rather it's made for competing with Internet Explorer."—Tristan Nitot, Mozilla Europe PresidentPC Pro: Mozilla: Google's Not Trying to Kill Us (September 2, 2008)

• Wikipedia: Google Chrome