Google is a little like most politicians. They keep their plans close to the chest when it’s obvious that they are going to something. In this case, it was to create their own browser. Called Chrome, they had to finally let the cat out of the bag, when this clever comic book was discovered by the public before they were ready.

Although there are a lot of reviews and explanations for Chrome out there already, I’m gonna give my simple-minded spin. The comic explains the reasons, but it’s somewhat technical and definitely biased.

Chrome is Google’s ultimate weapon. They know if you control the browser, you get to direct user behavior. Sure, the reasons are better speed, easier to run web apps, security, less crashing etc, but the REAL reason, in my opinion, was to ensure they had a platform that they could control to make all the things they want work – work. And to ensure that Microsoft didn’t stop them by not allowing it, or SLOWLY cooperating.

Firefox is already open source and does most of the things that Google needs. But they don’t control Firefox, and besides Firefox is only about 18-20% of the market. And because Firefox can’t be bought because of their company structure, Google put their tremendous resources to work and built their own.

So what that mean to you, dear reader? You will have another choice to make. With all the free applications and tools from Google, you can be sure they will run better in Chrome. On the other hand, some things, especially Microsoft products (both paid and free) will likely not be as compatible. Think of it as what a browser was supposed to do, but without the wrinkles that Microsoft plugged in to make their browsers ‘better’.

What I’m going to do is keep using Firefox, until I see a clear need to switch to Chrome. I might have Chrome on my desktop, in case something I’m using really needs to run in Chrome (just like I have IE on my desktop for IE ‘enhanced’ web pages), but otherwise, the last thing I need is another browser.

Where it does make sense is when they make Chrome usable on a PC without an operating system. Which is what I think is the ultimate goal. No Windows, just boot up your Netbook and use your browser for everything. Then your phone is next with Google’s Android project. No wonder Microsoft doesn’t like Google.

BTW, the comic book a lot better in my opinion than the Seinfeld/Microsoft commercials, because, frankly, most people don’t get the commercial. The commercial has a pile of inside jokes while at least with the comic you can ask somebody what all the geek means.