DailyTech - Google Chrome Now Available for Apple iOS Devices

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Gadgets Google Chrome Now Available for Apple iOS Devices
Brandon Hill (Blog) - June 28, 2012 1:31 PM

17 comment(s) - last by Belard.. on Jun 29 at 11:26 AM

Google Chrome to finally makes an appearance on the iPad, iPhone

While there may be a bit of bad blood between Apple and Google these days (witness the removal of Google Maps in iOS 6 and the removal of "Google" from the search box in Safari), Apple still has a little bit of love to dish out to its hardened foe.

The Verge and AnandTech are reporting that Google Chrome will finally make an appearance on iOS devices starting today. This means that fans of the popular browser will now be able to sync their accounts from their desktop/notebooks computers to their iPads and iPhones to simplify the browsing experience.

According to The Next Web, Tab and Credentials syncing are all there, along with Incognito mode. The big downer, however, is that Apple still reserves Safari as being the default browser in iOS -- that means that links clicked from within emails or other applications will open Safari every time. However, we're sure the jailbreak community will fix this "problem" within hours of its release.

Now here's an interesting tidbit. Google Chrome is currently only available for use on devices running Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich". As of June 1, Ice Cream Sandwich represents just a 7.1 percent share of the entire Android OS market. However, Chrome for iOS "only" requires a device running iOS 4.3 or higher. That means that nearly 100% of current iOS users will be able to use Chrome.

You can download Chrome for iOS here.

In other browser news, it was recently revealed that Firefox "Junior" will soon be heading to the iOS App Store.

Sources: The Verge, AnandTech, The Next Web

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7% of Android devices have 4.0?

By tayb on 6/28/2012 2:48:06 PM , Rating: 1

I cannot believe that only 7% of Android devices have 4.0. It was released last October!!!!!! Google really needs to figure this out, it's beyond abysmal.

RE: 7% of Android devices have 4.0?

By kleinma on 6/28/2012 3:22:29 PM , Rating: 2

It isn't the fact that it was released in October, it is the fact that there are tons of android devices only 2 years old that people are still using that will just never, ever be upgraded to ICS. It isn't googles fault, it is up to each mfgr to release it, and then the carrier has to sign off and push it out. The only way is if they root the device and install a custom rom which most people are just not going to do, don't know how to do, or don't even know what a ROM is. Google is just going with the fact that most people only keep their devices for 2 years, and will migrate over to ICS with their next upgrade. This is exactly why Apple demanded to have control over the update process, and why Microsoft is taking control back after the crap they saw with WinPhone 7's initial release. WinPhone 8 is going to allow users to upgrade right from MS with updates, at the expensive of voiding your support with the carrier (I don't think it voids the hardware warranty, but you can't get "help", if one would even call it that, at the carrier stores or on the phone from them.)

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RE: 7% of Android devices have 4.0?

By Reclaimer77 on 6/28/2012 3:29:32 PM , Rating: 2

Tons of "Android devices" are things like flip phones which would never run something like ICS. There's zillions of Android phones in general, that stat isn't "beyond abysmal" at all.

There's nothing for Google to "figure out". If the carriers don't update your phone, just root it.

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RE: 7% of Android devices have 4.0?

By japlha on 6/28/2012 4:11:49 PM , Rating: 2

I know how to root devices and apply custom ROMs.
I rooted a device from 2.1 to 2.2 because 2.1 lacked some features (fonts from a certain Asian characterset) that I wanted.

I currently have two Android devices one at 2.2 and the other at 2.3. Both still do what I need them to do. I have no need or desire to upgrade.

When I can no longer do something I want to do then I'll upgrade. Or I'll upgrade if my carrier pushes out an update. Not everyone needs to apply the latest OS.

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RE: 7% of Android devices have 4.0?

By tayb on 6/28/2012 5:25:33 PM , Rating: 3

Ah, yes, let the Android update apologists swarm.

"But I can root."
"But I don't need the features. If I need them I'll get a new phone."
"But a lot of those phones are flip phones."
"But, but, but."

The update cycles are appalling. It's annoying for end users and even more annoying for developers. The adoption rate for an 9 month old OS is only 7%. Unreal. You guys should be taking Google et al to task but you're not because you're too busy wearing your fanboy costumes.

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RE: 7% of Android devices have 4.0?

By Reclaimer77 on 6/28/2012 5:51:42 PM , Rating: 2

quote:
You guys should be taking Google et al to task but you're not because you're too busy wearing your fanboy costumes.

Sorry but I'm too busy using ICS on my phone to "take Google" to task for something that's not their problem. Or mine.

How many Windows phones out there will be getting Windows Phone 8 update? Oh yeah that's right, 0%!

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RE: 7% of Android devices have 4.0?

By tayb on 6/28/2012 6:57:33 PM , Rating: 2

quote:
Sorry but I'm too busy using ICS on my phone to "take Google" to task for something that's not their problem. Or mine.

Odd. Who writes Android again?

quote:
How many Windows phones out there will be getting Windows Phone 8 update? Oh yeah that's right, 0%!

Well nevermind! It's totally alright, because, uh, Microsoft does it too!

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RE: 7% of Android devices have 4.0?

By Reclaimer77 on 6/29/2012 7:26:56 AM , Rating: 2

Google released a free OS with no strings attached. Again, you're blaming the wrong person. Google cannot force the carriers and manufactures to update your phone to ICS even if they wanted to. What's so hard to understand about that?

If you don't like this situation, fine. But apparently it's just fine for nearly 65% of all handset users.

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RE: 7% of Android devices have 4.0?

By testerguy on 6/29/2012 7:15:30 AM , Rating: 2

quote:
Sorry but I'm too busy using ICS on my phone to "take Google" to task for something that's not their problem. Or mine.

It doesn't affect you if Google goes around killing Spaniards, either. It doesn't mean you can't take them to task over it.

The bottom line is that Androids support on legacy devices (majority of which are NOT flip-phones) has been atrocious. Some have said it's down to the manufacturers, but it's not - it's because Android is infringing that Google doesn't release a universal Android version - it lets all its manufacturers be the legal bait, meaning they have to develop their own versions to make it work on their device. It's a fundamentally flawed architecture, manufacturers will never be able to keep up with releases - and it's a problem for every Android owner who has a phone which doesn't support the latest version despite their phone having been purchased/released this year or last.

As for Windows Phone - they have practically zero market share, so it affects hardly anyone. Android has the majority market share, so it being awful affects the majority of smartphone users.

When you just ignore what is such a blatantly poor business practise, yet claim you're not biased - it's deeply troubling.

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RE: 7% of Android devices have 4.0?

By V-Money on 6/28/2012 6:02:49 PM , Rating: 2

You forgot one...

"But I already have ICS"...

Weird,I've had 2 phones, both in the Nexus series (nexus one, now the Galaxy Nexus) I kept the first one for 2 years, and I always had quick updates. Its called options, if you want an easy path with android stick to nexus phones, if you want a different phone get one, but don't expect the same level of support, and realize that you may need to root. If you want a single ecosystem with only one option, get an iPhone, if you are Pirks, keep waiting for the mythical BB10 phone to come and shame us all. For the record, I'm running 4.1 "jellybean" on my nexus, and I have nothing to apologize for.

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RE: 7% of Android devices have 4.0?

By japlha on 6/29/2012 10:50:58 AM , Rating: 2

How is not rooting one's phone to apply the latest OS (and potentially bricking and invalidating your warranty) or not demanding that Google or the vendors provide faster OS updates cause one to become an "Android apologist"? It's simply a matter of practicality for me. I have other things to do with my time than worrying if I have the latest OS on my phone.

If it's your hobby or your personality is such that you require the latest OS then fine. Do what is required to force the industry to provide faster OS updates.

I use technology to accomplish what is important for me. If I can reach my goals with an older OS then I'll continue to use it. Or if I can apply a tested and supported update I will apply it even if it doesn't have features I "need". I do work in the IT industry so I enjoy testing new software and features.

If I want to upgrade but none is available then I'll first make some inquiries if one is available or I'll root my device and accept any risks that result from that. However, if I "absolutely" must have the latest OS on my current device and it "absolutely" must be supported then I'll go on my crusade and either die trying or accept defeat.

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RE: 7% of Android devices have 4.0?

By TakinYourPoints on 6/28/2012 9:00:33 PM , Rating: 2

Over/under on iOS Chrome marketshare eclipsing Android Chrome? Some time tonight?

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True motivation?

By Church of Dirac on 6/28/2012 2:15:42 PM , Rating: 1

Interesting this is coming right after the EU court ruled that Microsoft had to pay an exorbitant sum due to their browser shenanigans. Perhaps Apple is afraid of being on the other side of the courtroom.

RE: True motivation?

By kleinma on 6/28/2012 4:19:07 PM , Rating: 2

Yeah, google cooked up chrome for iOS overnight since that ruling was yesterday...

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finally

By Rage187 on 6/28/2012 3:28:23 PM , Rating: 3

i hate safari.

Just Average

By CColtManM on 6/28/2012 5:18:38 PM , Rating: 2

Its okay. Not laid out that well. Tabs blend into each other, more than 2 and it gets silly. Bookmarks and favorites are a few clicks in, stupid and time wasting. Overall, i'd give it a C. Better browser alternatives out there.