What is Google Chrome Beta?

[blahblahblahholic]

What is Google Chrome Beta and is it different to the other Google chrome or is it the same thing?

[Plankton]

Beta software in general is software that has had functional/unit testing but now requires "real world" testing before it can be considered stable. Usually if you use Beta software there is an expectation that if you encounter problems or find bugs you will report them to the developers so that they can correct any problems that exist before they release the software to all.

Google Chrome Beta allows you to test the browser's latest feature additions on the understanding that there may be problems e.g. it may crash with some unusually formed web pages (if this happens you should let the programmers know the address of the page that crashed).

So unless you are a web designer or are just hungry to use the latest features you are best using the latest stable (non-Beta) release.

Hope this helps

[Benchamin]

it means that it is under test or say a test drive.
but the functions are same.............

[Charlie]

Beta Software is software that could have bugs and other unwanted things. Google Chrome Beta is mainly for Tech Savvy's or people desperate to use it. The Beta versions are usually free (Although Google Chrome is free anyway) and is just for testing and to receive feedback on how to improve the software.

:]

[kaustav_whoami]

First, you need to understand the concept of "Beta".

"Beta" is a nickname for software which has passed the alpha testing stage of development and has been released to users for software testing before its official release. It is the prototype of the software that is released to the public. Beta testing allows the software to undergo usability testing with users who provide feedback, so that any malfunctions these users find in the software can be reported to the developers and fixed. Beta software can be unstable and could cause crashes or data loss.
A "beta version" is the first version released outside the organization or community that develops the software, for the purpose of evaluation or real-world black/grey-box testing. The process of delivering a beta version to the users is called beta release. Beta level software generally includes all features, but may also include known issues and bugs of a less serious variety.
The users of a beta version are called beta testers. They are usually customers or prospective customers of the organization that develops the software. They receive the software for free or for a reduced price, but act as free testers.

For more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_re...life_cycle

And answer to your second question is, Yes the Google Chrome Beta is different from the existing one. The beta version comes with lots of customization option, add-ons, themes blah blah blah. But its under testing process. So its not completely stable yet.

My suggestion is stick with the current version unless you are a pro or in a mood to experiment a little bit. Note that installing the Beta version will remove your current Chrome installation.