03 Jun 08 Why did Google name their Browser "Chrome"?
Usage of word,
If you are wondering why Google named their browser, “Chrome”, here’s my opinion.
First Hint
At the first sight of Google “Chrome”, I thought it was basically a modified version of Firefox, based on the same open-source Gecko engine used by Firefox.
Another Hint
Another hint was that the default GUI theme is called, “Chrome” for Firefox. (As a Firefox extension developer who have developed the SiteHoppin Toolbar for Firefox, I can contest that Chrome has always been a widely used term for Firefox programmers.)
Proof
If you don’t believe me, take a look at this directory (H:\Documents and Settings\max\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\xdorv70b.default) in your Windows system file where you should rename “max” to your Windows user name and xdorv70b.default would be something-similar.default.
If you open up extensions directory from there and open up any of the directories inside it, (each folder is a Firefox extension) you will probably notice that almost every Firefox extension uses a file called, chrome.manifest. (Yes, even file names with “Chrome” in Firefox)
To sum it up, I am not saying Google Chrome was taken from Firefox but only that “Chrome” has always been widely known among the Firefox Development crowd.
Coincidence or not, you be the judge.
Tags:application data, coincidence, crowd, documents and settings, firefox extension, gecko, google, Google Chrome Hacks, modified version, open source, profiles, programmers, windows system, windows user4 Comments »
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If you read the cartoon, they make reference to how the border and browser tools, are called a browser’s chrome, and I think they’re making a statement with the name saying, “This is our version of browser chrome.” It’s also ironic naming the browser after what it’s trying to minimalize. I think they were making reference to a developer’s term, and did a great job with it.Just mho.
[...] those of you who have been wondering why Google named Chrome, I was wrong that it had anything to do with Firefox but I did find out that Google uses the same [...]
Hehe yeah you are rigth. When I heard “chrome” the first time, I was thinking of the firefox theme, I thought that they took the firefox and made something else of it. Do you think they are trying to get something of its reputation? of course, they explain it in a different way: http://www.chromeinfo.net/Google-chrome-comic-book/chrome-explanation/ :p
I see that. Google comic states that Chrome is the User Interface frame, which basically means the same thing as defauly UI for Firefox. (What are the chances of 2 different browsers naming their UI the same name, “Chrome”? Now, I feel like it’s not a coincidence)