Google launches internet browser

I'm not surprised that they're doing something like this. What surprises me is that they're using Webkit (Safari's engine) instead of making a branded Firefox.

I think this is a good direction for them. I will reserve my judgement on the user interface until I get a chance to really play with it. The tabs on top of the location bar is one of those things that would take some getting used to.

(Warning: Nerdy Stuff Ahead)

I think the new Javascript engine sounds good also. I've seen sites choke Firefox and IE way too many times by going overboard with stuff like AJAX.

Gears integration... eh. I honestly never used Gears until today when I installed it to save loading times on a Wordpress site. But I think it has some potential.

I know that Google's privacy issues are a little scary, but if they make the source code available, then someone could really check to see if it's safe if they had the skills. Or they could just use a browser that's not backed by companies that profit on advertising (remember, Google owns DoubleClick).

EDIT: Oops, Google already *has* made an operating system. However, that's for mobile devices; what I meant was a desktop operating system.

Google has done that too, somewhat. With them entering the browser market, anything's possible.