Google's domination of all things internet continued last week with the launch of its new web browser Google Chrome. Google are hoping that by taking all the best bits from the other various browsers, it can take on Microsoft's monopoly of the browser market (studies suggest 70% of the UK population have set Internet Explorer as their default browser).

On first impression, Chrome looks very minimalist - there's no title bar for instance, so you see a lot more of the webpage than you do in IE or Firefox. What's also great about Chrome is that each tab runs independently, so if one application crashes, it won't take down everything else with it. It's also very easy to set up - download time is minimal, and it migrates all your data (passwords, bookmarks etc) across from your previous browser, so you can get going straight away. Another great feature is the Omnibar - a new search-cum-address-cum-browsing history bar - that makes it easier than ever to navigate the web quickly and smoothly.

So what's wrong with it? Well if you're a serious techie, then it can't rival Firefox in terms of add-ons. There's also the issue of security - several issues were noticed almost immediately by the wider web community. And then there is the ever-present concern over the Google internet monopoly - Chrome gives Google total control over your web experience from start to finish - and you can bet all that data will be making its way into advertisers' hands.

So what's our verdict? We think that as a 1.0 version Chrome is pretty good. And if you're just a casual browser, then Chrome's stripped back features and increased speed will serve you well. For us here in the office we're looking forward to the increased nuts and bolts that future versions will bring - so until then we'll be sticking with Firefox.