Bangalore: To put an end to Microsoft's internet explorer and Mozilla Foundation's Firefox supremacy in the browsing arena, Google, one of the major search engines has launched its web browser, 'Chrome'. It is a powerful new browser which intents to load web pages quickly and accurately. The entry of Google in the browsing world would further worsen the battle between Microsoft and Google.

Microsoft and Firefox had earlier launched their latest versions of browsers - IE8 beta 2 and Firefix 3.0 respectively.

Google's decision to introduce its own browser is mainly over its concern that Microsoft would find ways to use its dominance of the PC software to favor its own internet applications. Google had believed that Microsoft could use its power by manipulating Internet Explorer's default settings in a way that might hurt traffic to Google's search engine. Google also contacted the Justice Department to complain about the changes to internet explorer that Google believed made it more difficult to install search toolbars made by Microsoft's rivals.

Moreover, Microsoft's IE 8 enables the users to block information about their browsing habit, which may adversely affect to Google's interest to display advertising.

Earlier, Google was supporting Firefox to counter the Microsoft hold over the browser market. An advertising partnership with Google's search engine helped Firefox to become the second most popular browser with a market share of more than 10 per cent.

Moreover, Firefox got Google's assistance in terms of engineering as well as financially and had collaboration with Google on a variety of technical issues, including a system for reporting software crashes and to make software browsers more secure.

Analysts believe that Google browser may help the company further improve its branding. "This gives Google another opportunity to protect its flank and to create a new branding position. The browser is a broader platform than they currently have," said Kay, President, Endpoint Technologies Associates, Wayland, Massachusetts.