Google's Powerful Chrome Web Browser Headed to Android

A new version of Google Chrome that runs on Android is in the extreme early stages of development, with the updated user interface already completed. Although still a long way off, Chrome for Google could boost the Android’s standard browser from a fairly minimal experience to a full-strength desktop browser feel.

Rumors of Google’s intentions to integrate Chrome OS with the Android browser have been buzzing for months, a significant indicator that the project was in the works came with the Nexus Prime app leak, which included “ChromeBookmarksSyncAdapter.apk.” While a Chrome browser is most likely not ready for the next version of the Android OS, code-named Ice Cream Sandwich, the inclusion of a bookmark sync indicate that the beginnings of the integration are already underway.

A more powerful native browser will make Android devices more compelling for customers, but it will be interesting to see how Google places Chrome on Android. The Internet giant is already marketing netbook-style hardware running Chrome as an OS, and while extensions are a possibility, it probably wouldn’t be practical on some of the heavier web apps.