[DarthFader]

Anyone else got this app yet? http://itunes.apple.com/dk/app/chrome/id535886823?mt=8 be interesting to compare when Firefox brings theirs out.


PJ

[sotek]

Originally Posted by DarthFader

Anyone else got this app yet? http://itunes.apple.com/dk/app/chrome/id535886823?mt=8 be interesting to compare when Firefox brings theirs out.


PJ

I installed it first thing. I'm impressed so far and certainly won't be in a hurry to return to using Safari. The ability to sync and access bookmarks across all my devices through Google is the stand out feature for me at the moment.

[DarthFader]

Originally Posted by sotek

I installed it first thing. I'm impressed so far and certainly won't be in a hurry to return to using Safari. The ability to sync and access bookmarks across all my devices through Google is the stand out feature for me at the moment.

I agree, very impressive and much better than Safari. I like the way fonts render on it and the speed seems much faster. Knowing Google I bet they threw a lot of money at this to get one up on Apple. Are Apple planning Safari for Android or is it there already? I wonder how far Firefox on iOS is.

PJ

[unique]

i like it. i've not done much on the iphone version but the ipad version is great. i'm not sure how they could do it but firefox wasn't allowed. i normally use firefox but use chrome for specific things like tv catchup in a second monitor

[DarthFader]

Is Chrome based on Safari like the other browsers on the App Store which is how they got around Apples draconian rules? They allow Firefox on Macs so why not on iOS? If Safari is the best they can make it then they will have nothing to worry about.


PJ

[Matt D]

3rd party browsers on iOS have to use WebKit... which is what Chrome uses anyway.

Firefox uses Gecko instead of WebKit, so would take more work to make an iOS version. Mozilla is working on some sort of browser for iOS, but it's not a straight version of Firefox.



There are two other restrictions on 3rd party browsers:

- You can't set another browser as the default, unless you Jailbreak your device.

- 3rd party browsers cannot use iOS' "Nitro" JavaScript engine, so won't have the speed of mobile Safari.



Even so, I may well switch to this. I already use a 3rd party browser anyway (iCab Mobile) as I hate Safari. This should be even better, for the Chrome sync alone.

[DarthFader]

Originally Posted by Matt D

3rd party browsers on iOS have to use WebKit... which is what Chrome uses anyway.

Firefox uses Gecko instead of WebKit, so would take more work to make an iOS version. Mozilla is working on some sort of browser for iOS, but it's not a straight version of Firefox.



There are two other restrictions on 3rd party browsers:

- You can't set another browser as the default, unless you Jailbreak your device.

- 3rd party browsers cannot use iOS' "Nitro" JavaScript engine, so won't have the speed of mobile Safari.



Even so, I may well switch to this. I already use a 3rd party browser anyway (iCab Mobile) as I hate Safari. This should be even better, for the Chrome sync alone.

Interesting stuff, thanks for posting :-)


PJ

[omeletpercy]

wow its out!

I was only looking for it the other day on my ipad and was disappointed it wasn't available.

[alanwarwic]

Chrome has always used Webkit which was based on open source code anyway. Apple has no doubt forced Googles hand.

It is certainly a massive boost for the iPad.
So will it also crash when Safari crashes or is the Nitro engine a main crash cause?

[omeletpercy]

It would be perfect if....

It opened on a homepage like Google UK.

Had a option for home button.

And opened bookmarks on desktop sync.

Had the swipe from left function as in the Google Search app to get to history and bookmarks etc.

[omeletpercy]

Hmmm is it me or is it putting strain on the iPad? Some sites are scrolling glittery + my iPad is warm down the left.

[stephen122333]

I like it apart from the fact I can not sign into digitalspy while using it.

While viewing a thread like this one, if I click
"add reply"

then

"click here to log in"

I get a red screen with a message
The site's security certificate is not trusted
With a option to contuine or back to safety.

If I click contuine then I just get a load of text. But I have now found out if I log in by selecting log in at the top of the screen it works ok.

[DarthFader]

I see it is top of the free apps already and a lot of love for it in the reviews. I like others would like a choice of where is opens on and a home button and bookmark bar, but as a first version of an app that i am sure will be updated a lot, I am impressed :-)

PJ

[whoever,hey]

Just installed on iphone. I didn't know it was out either!

Pain in the arse you cant change the default browser though! But thats apple for you, omitting the obvious bloody features!

[alan1302]

Originally Posted by whoever,hey

Just installed on iphone. I didn't know it was out either!

Pain in the arse you cant change the default browser though! But thats apple for you, omitting the obvious bloody features!

They have kept it out on purpose though

[Matt D]

Being unable to change the default browser from Safari is a pain

If you don't mind Jailbreaking, though, you can get around that.

[DarthFader]

I am getting more and more tempted to JB but like the safety of the app store.

PJ

ETA - why is it Microsoft are forced to give browser choice but Apple don't?

[Matt D]

Although obtaining JB apps from Cydia (the JB equivalent of the App Store) isn't as "safe" as using the App Store, there are plenty of "trusted sources" and apps are usually signed.

I've never Jailbroken my iPad, but I have done it on my last couple of iPhones.

[alan1302]

Originally Posted by DarthFader

I am getting more and more tempted to JB but like the safety of the app store.

PJ

ETA - why is it Microsoft are forced to give browser choice but Apple don't?

All strange court ideas! LOL

For MS it comes from their dominance of the PC OS market - no one has bothered about Apple yet...and maybe won't if Android keeps doing well and Windows Phone 8 as well

[unique]

Originally Posted by Matt D

Being unable to change the default browser from Safari is a pain

If you don't mind Jailbreaking, though, you can get around that.

my ipad on 5.1.1 is jailbroken, how do i do it?

[Matt D]

Search Cydia for "Browser Changer".

It gives you a new option in Settings to set a default browser.

If you use SBSettings, there is also a toggle available for that for Browser Changer, so you can use a toggle instead of going into Settings (you still need the main Browser Changer app though).

[SnowStorm86]

Not noticing any massive difference. Still have to put up with annoying adverts (main incentive to ditch safari) and no favourites list seems like an odd oversight. Hopefully these issues will be addressed in future versions otherwise what is the point?

[Matt D]

What do you mean "no favourites list"? It has Bookmarks, plus if you use Chrome on your computer you can sync with the desktop Chrome's Bookmarks.

If you want to get rid of ads, I'd recommend iCab Mobile or Atomic Web Browser.

[lettice]

Originally Posted by Matt D

Search Cydia for "Browser Changer".

It gives you a new option in Settings to set a default browser.

If you use SBSettings, there is also a toggle available for that for Browser Changer, so you can use a toggle instead of going into Settings (you still need the main Browser Changer app though).

Yes I use browser changer, its excellent and has a long list of supported browsers.
Its a free tweak and well supported in the big boss (most trusted) repo.
I tried google chrome on my ipad/iphone. Im a pc firefox browser user myself, but I see the advantage of synching.
My preferred browser though is icab, it puts them all to shame, with its configuration and layout.

[Batwing]

Originally Posted by DarthFader

I agree, very impressive and much better than Safari. I like the way fonts render on it and the speed seems much faster. Knowing Google I bet they threw a lot of money at this to get one up on Apple. Are Apple planning Safari for Android or is it there already? I wonder how far Firefox on iOS is.

PJ

It can't be faster than Safari because Apple requires the same rendering engine be used. The only thing at would be different is features.