Recently there has been speculation about Google wanting to break into the field of web browsers, but in a recent conference call Google CEO Eric Schmidt said that this would not be happening. Specifically, he says, “It looks like people have some good browsers choices already.”
Obviously, competing against Internet Explorer would be costly and most likey an ultimately un-winnable battle. In spite of Google’s ability to steal many of Microsoft’s Hotmail customers to convert to Gmail, Schmidt does not see an easy takeover of people’s browser choice.
He cited the fact that Netscape lost its battle against Internet Explorer when it launched about a decade ago, and he doesn’t want to make the same mistake. On a personal note, as someone who tries to steer clear of Internet Explorer, (I use Firefox), I don’t think the world needs to see a Google browser. Besides, the web development community is already juggling enough cross browser / cross platform compatibility to choke a cat.
Via Reuters.
I’m not counting out a Google Browser yet. The comments Schmidt made reminded me of Steve Jobs before iPod with video came out. I think Google has a lot of interest in a browser and the project will turn out to be a big moneymaker for them.
Good point. Schmidt’s comments do have a bit of a deja vu quality ala Steve Jobs. I’m not sure what the point would be though. Google, as a search tool, is already built into Firefox – and I’m sure they paid a dime or two to get that. Additionally I’ll bet their desktop search and toolbar have a huge penetration / adoption by the internet community.