Google Chrome has overtaken Internet Explorer to become the world’s most popular web browser, according to new figures.
First launched in December 2008, the pared down browser allows users to enter their search queries directly into the address bar at the top instead of opening a window to a separate search engine tool. From there web surfers can search for specific terms or type an address directly into the bar.
Google describes the browser as “streamlined, clean and simple” on its website, adding that it is “designed to be fast in every possible way. It’s quick to start up from your desktop, loads web pages in a snap, and runs complex web applications lightning fast”.
Chrome beat Internet Explorer in the rankings earlier in March but this was just for a single weekend. Current figures from Statcounter indicate that the browser has overtaken its Microsoft competitor for the forseeable future.
Back in March StatCounter’s CEO Aodhan Cullen said: “Whether Chrome can take the lead in the browser wars in the long term remains to be seen, however the trend towards Chrome usage at weekends is undeniable. At weekends, when people are free to choose what browser to use, many of them are selecting Chrome in preference to Internet Explorer.”
Both Chrome and Internet Explorer had a 33% share each of browsing figures on desktop computers until recently with Google’s browser only just taking the lead.
Other popular browsers that were included in the study were Firefox, Safari and Opera.
