Google Chrome browser hits Mac and Linux

More than a year after unveiling its Chrome browser for Windows users, Google is finally offering a version for Mac and Linux fans.

The release had long been expected to happen before the end of the year, with some rumours suggesting it would be rushed out to meet the deadline. The two new versions are currently still in beta.

"We've been working hard to deliver a first-class browser for the Mac it took longer than we expected, but we hope the wait was worth it," wrote product manager Brian Rakowski on the Google Chrome blog.

"We wanted Google Chrome to feel at home on the Mac, so we've focused on uniting our clean, simple design with subtle animations and effects to create a snappy and satisfying browsing experience on OS X. As you might expect, the speed of Google Chrome for Mac is something we're very proud of."

On top of the features found in the standard Windows version, the Mac edition includes Apple's built-in spellcheck and keychain tools, and makes use of sandboxing for more security.

Linux

Regarding the Linux version, Rakowski noted that Google engineers use Linux, so they've long been asking for their own version of Chrome.

"Just like Google Chrome for Windows and Mac, we focused on speed, stability and security, but we also wanted a high-performance browser that integrated well with the Linux ecosystem," he said.

"This includes tight integration with native GTK themes, updates that are managed by the standard system package manager, and many other features that fit in natively with the operating system where possible," he added.

The Windows version currently has 40 million users, Google said. The Chrome browser can be downloaded here.

Extensions

Google also announced the beta of extensions, its browser customisation system.

"They are as easy to create as web pages, easy to install, and each extension runs in its own process to avoid crashing or significantly slowing down the browser," noted Rakowski.

Extensions are only available in Linux and Windows, however. Mac users will have to wait a bit longer, and the system should hit the developer channel "soon."

Click here for our review of the Chrome browser.