Google Chrome for Android comes out of beta

MOBILE SOFTWARE HOUSE Google has announced that its Chrome browser for Android is out of beta and is available to download for free from Google Play.

The freshly released Google Chrome app offers users an alternative to the stock Android web browser and Firefox for Android, and enables users to sync with their desktop browsers. It also features accelerated page loading, offline reading and the abilities to search and navigate from the same box and to switch through tabs "the way you would fan a desk of cards".

The app, which is compatible with devices running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and above, also promises "improved stability and performance fixes", along with a more intuitive user interface making the browser more tablet friendly. This tweak probably was inspired by the launch of the Asus-built Google Nexus 7 tablet, which arrives boasting Chrome as its default browser.

Google Chrome for Android has already received rave reviews in the Android app marketplace. One user, apparently called 'Shrome' said, "Love this browser. Seamlessly syncs bookmarks with my PC. Open tabs transfer is a nice feature too."

Of course, as the first Google Chrome for Android release, Google has warned that users might still find a few bugs. µ