The wait is finally over – Google has released Chrome for Mac in beta and boy is it fast. Being a beta, it’s still missing a few things, like extension support that you get with the Windows version but it’s still a good release.

The beta release does include support for themes along with the features I’ve come to love. There’s the gallery of recently visited sites, great bookmark support, and the ability to drag tabs off to create new windows. All in all, it’s a very intuitive, very slim browsing experience, which I’m really happy with.

The release also included a Linux beta as well as the new extension support for both Windows and Linux users. The gallery currently includes more than 300 extensions, and though there’s no Mac support yet, it’s coming soon to developer channels.

Source: Google Blog

Gadget Teaser’s take on the browser wars started here. As you know, we here at Gadget Teaser are loyal fans of Firefox, but it doesn’t take much for us to make a switch. Especially when news like this comes in from Pwn2Own:

A recent contest at CanSecWest, an event that brings together some of the most skilled experts in the security community, has demonstrated that the three most popular browser are susceptible to security bugs despite the vigilance and engineering prowess of their creators. Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer were all exploited during the Pwn2Own competition that took place at the conference. Google’s Chrome browser, however, was the only one left standing—a victory that security researchers attribute to its innovative sandbox feature.

Well isn’t that interesting. I never expected Google’s Chrome would be the last man standing. In fact, I expected all to go down but perhaps not that fast. This coverage solidified a few things for me.

Number 1: stay away from Safari. One of the hackers went after Safari and Mac OS X first because “he believes that it is the easiest to exploit.” Not a good sign for Apple.

Number 2: no browser is totally safe. When they allow the use of plugins on the second day of competition, I’m sure Chrome will go down as well.

And therefore Number 3: no matter which browser you do use, you need to take care and consideration of where you browse and the content you keep. Keep your cache clean and clear out your cookies and saved passwords from time to time. It’s your data the hackers are after, use a little more care and you should be safe.

So after all that being said, will I be switching to Chrome? I’m not sure yet. But I am giving it another look.

I’m an avid Firefox user. I have been for years. And there are many reasons for my love affair. First, I enjoy the ability to install add-ons like “Adblock Plus,” “All-in-One Sidebar,” and especially “Foxmarks.” Also, Firefox gives me the freedom to tweak settings inside the browser’s core which can change my interaction with it, as well as its overall speed. Finally, I definitely notice that the browser uses less of my PC’s memory and always releases it properly when I close it. What’s not to like about Firefox?

So, it might surprise you to know that I am always willing to try the next new thing in web browsers. I’ll install Opera and try it out for a few weeks then go back to Firefox. What’s that? Google came out with a new browser called Crome? Sure, I’ll install that too and see what all the hubbub is about. Since everyone on the planet seems wired to think anything Apple does is great, I end up installing Safari as well. Sadly, even though I installed all those browsers, I still end up using IE to check my work email. I’m sorry but for some strange reason Microsoft’s webmail client works better inside Microsoft’s web browser. Crazy, I know.

For those of you out there wondering what the current advantages and disadvantages of each of these browsers are, maximumpc.com has put together a great list comparing all the browsers. And they even took it one further by comparing what the future releases will look like.

Anyone who may have thought the death of Netscape would signal the end of the browser wars, boy were they mistaken. In fact, it could be argued that it was at that point it all began. It didn’t take long for Mozilla’s Firefox to emerge from Netscape Navigator’s ashes, and over time, Firefox would win over enthusiasts with a potent combination of speed, security, and an unprecedented level of customization.

But what started as a two-man battle is quickly growing into all-out warfare. Prepare to be overwhelmed by an onslaught of new browser releases in the coming months as Microsoft, Mozilla, Apple, Opera Software, and Google all vie to provide your vehicle for navigating the web. Each one brings something new to the table, whether it be blazing fast performance or a unique feature-set. Don’t worry if you haven’t been paying attention – we jump in the trenches with whole lot of them and get to know each one on a personal basis.

So there you have it. Read it and make your own decision. Don’t just use IE because it comes installed with Windows. Try something new on and see if it fits.

As for me, I’ll be constantly trying whatever is the latest and greatest thing to come out in the browser wars. And then, well… in all honesty… within a week going back and using Firefox about 95% of the time.