Ok, I’m a day late posting this – I was working on patent relate docs until late last night, and by the time I left, I was done. But better late than never here’s my thoughts…
Eric Schmidt said “”It looks like people have some good browsers choices already,” Schmidt said. “We would not build a browser for the fun of building a browser,”
No one ever suggested that Google build a browser for the fun of it. Do they do anything just because it catches their fancy? However, leaving aside what was likely just a flippant response, I think the key word therein is “build” Why build a new one at all?
Google did a deal with AOL last year; AOL owns Netscape, and unfortunately, messed up with their last browser launch. Why wouldn’t Google buy the Netscape browser, and re-release it? Netscape likely doesn’t fit in any of AOL’s plans, but it a logical play for Google.
Look at the irony; Netscape was “killed” by Microsoft’s IE browser. A few short years later, Google and MSFT are locked in battle. A re-launched Netscape browser, fully tied into Google’s offerings; gmail, finance, etc… would be very attractive, and lots of marketing appeal.
Just a thought… today I have time on my hands (for about 15 more minutes)…
Have a question and need quick answers? 
I’m also not counting out a Google Browser yet. The comments Schmidt made reminded me of Steve Jobs before iPod with video came out. I think Google has a lot of interest in a browser and the project will turn out to be a big moneymaker for them.
Comment by Michael Collins — Friday, June 2, 2006 @ 10:49 pm