Google is taking a new step to prevent you from using any browser other than Chrome
Of all the browsers currently available, Google Chrome is undoubtedly the most popular. Now, Google is seeking to increase its market share and take it a step further to ensure its use as the default browser over other options. We'll explain what this innovation entails and whether it will truly succeed in what could be called a fierce browser battle.
It's worth noting that this isn't the first browser to use this type of strategy to attract customers. Microsoft has also used various methods to encourage us to use its Edge browser, which has been heavily criticized, even receiving a complaint from Opera for an unfair advantage that affects competition.
Any company seeks to sell its products. The same applies to browsers. In this case, the company seeks to attract new users—new customers who will use its services. Now, Google is seeking to enhance its Chrome browser and is taking steps to make it the default program, simply by clicking on it.
A Windows report, published on August 25, states that Google is modifying the source code of its browser (based on commit ID 6871963), available on the Chromium website. This clearly indicates their intention to make it the default browser, with the option to pin it to the taskbar. This feature is called "One-click default browser setting," meaning "one click to make the browser your default."
What they aim to do is make Windows the default browser with just one click. So far, making Google Chrome the default browser is relatively easy, though it's not easy for many users. Simply go to Settings, click "Default Browser," and select it. It's easy, but it requires at least three steps.
According to a Windows report, Google is currently working to reduce these steps, making the default browser a single step. This approach aims to reach more users who, due to lack of awareness, use this browser but are not the default browser on their devices, which may mean they cannot guarantee their continued use.
- Taskbar shortcut
Google not only makes it easy to make your default browser, but also installs a shortcut for it on the Windows taskbar. This, of course, is an added benefit that allows users to use this browser instead of others. You're less likely to use another browser if the shortcut is available on the taskbar every day.
As mentioned, this is part of Google's new strategy to enhance Chrome. This feature isn't currently available, but according to a Windows report, it appears to be in development. We may see it included in future releases.
There's clearly a browser war going on, and we'll continually see different strategies implemented by each browser to attract more users. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Brave, Opera... there are plenty of options to choose from.