Google working on Windows 8 Metro version of Chrome

PanARMENIAN.Net - Google is working on a Windows 8 Metro version of its Chrome web browser, The Inquirer reported.

Google's Chrome web browser has fared well against its rivals from Microsoft and Mozilla, and now the firm is working on porting Chrome to Microsoft's Windows 8 Metro user interface. The firm told Mashable that it will add touchscreen support within Chrome, which shouldn't be too difficult given Google's work on Chrome for Android.

A Google spokesperson said, "Our goal is to be able to offer our users a speedy, simple, secure Chrome experience across all platforms, which includes both the desktop and Metro versions of Windows 8. [...] To that end we're in the process of building a Metro version of Chrome along with improving desktop Chrome in Windows 8 such as adding enhanced touch support."

Google like Mozilla realizes that unless it steps into the breach then those who use the Metro interface in Windows 8 will have only Internet Explorer 10. While that in itself is a good enough reason to spur Google and Mozilla into Metro development, Microsoft has also said its Internet Explorer 10 for Metro will not feature any add-ons or plug-ins, meaning there could be a market for third-party web browsers to exploit.

Earlier this week Mozilla said it had started development on a Metro version of its Firefox web browser, though the outfit bemoaned the poor documentation provided by Microsoft. Google will have to overcome the same obstacle if it wants to compete with Microsoft and Mozilla in the Metro world of Windows 8, the report says.