Mozilla Based Google Browser Very Likely

A recent ZDnet article added more fuel to the Google Browser (aka Gbrowser) fire by speculating that the new browser will be based on Mozilla technology. Evidently, according to an article by Pinder of Blogzilla this is not too far of a stretch.



Pinder reports that Bug 226572 - Google branded Mozilla browser which has now been marked Private. He remembers this bug to be created in 2003 and is now looking for a cached copy of the file. He also adds:

The only item of note was the "This is a duplicate of a private bug about working with Google. So closing this one." comment. It was made by Bart Decrem , who coordinates marketing and business affairs for the Mozilla project.

The rest of his post goes into some interesting theories on what he expects the new browser to be. One of which is the innovative ways of utilizing XUL in the web applications such as Gmail and Google Groups.



Mozilla would also fit in with the scheme of how they are developing the apps such as Gmail and Blogger, which are javascript intensive applications. Extending the functionality of Mozilla to deal with these types of applications will be an easy task -- plus would invite future enhancements from the Open Source crowd at Mozilla. Heck, the darn thing could probably build itself.



Pinder also seems to think that Google will come out with an IM client before the browser. This is an interesting thought that makes sense. Google has all of these apps in the lab and will want to get them all pretty much in working shape before launching the browser to tie it all together. Having the IM client would add icing to some of the cake.



My feeling is this browser could be launched anytime they wish -- next week or even today. I also feel that given the woes of Internet Explorer lately and the above paced adoption of Firefox 1.0 right out of the gate, Gates and crew should have a little cause to worry. This is going to be a rough year for them.