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Use AppleScript to open current Safari URL in Google Chrome
I've been using John Gruber's suggestions from Going Flash-Free on Mac OS X, and How to Cheat When You Need It to avoid installing Adobe Flash by using Google Chrome (which includes its own version of Flash) whenever I run into a page that has Flash I want to see. To make this easier, John suggested turning on the "Develop menu" in Safari's "Advanced" preferences, which includes a sub-menu to "Open Page With" and a sub-sub-menu that shows all of your installed browsers. John suggested using System Preferences to create a keyboard shortcut for "Google Chrome" or "Google Chrome.app" depending on which one you saw in the menu. Unfortunately, this failed for me quite often. Every time I launched Safari, the keyboard shortcut would not work until I had opened that menu manually using the mouse. I hate using the mouse. After opening the menu, the keyboard shortcut would work until I quit Safari again. That was mildly annoying, but things recently took a turn for the worse. Here's what the menu looks like for me now: Notice that the browser listings now include version numbers. This means that a keyboard shortcut would have to include the version number, which means it would break whenever the browser is updated. I asked a few folks, and it appears this changed in Safari 5.0.4. I haven't been able to find a way to revert to the old behavior, so I started looking for another way. Enter AppleScript Using AppleScript, you can send the current URL from Safari to Google Chrome. Here is the AppleScript that I am currently using: (Note: this article was updated on 2013–02–10 to include an updated and improved version of the AppleScript, as well as expanded instructions on how to use it.) This AppleScript will launch Google Chrome if it is not already running, and will not overwrite any existing tabs in Google Chrome. To use this AppleScript, you will need to download it from Github. Note that the download filename will be something ridiculously long which starts with 'gist4750810' (don't ask me why, it's a Github 'thing'). Find that file in your Downloads folder, double-click it, and Archive Utility will open it and show you a folder with a file named 'Open in Google Chrome.scpt' in it. Now you'll want to open a new Finder window so you can navigate to where that file needs to be installed, so choose File » New Finder Window and then move on to the next section. Installation To use 'Open in Google Chrome.scpt' in Safari, it needs to be installed to ~/Library/Scripts/Applications/Safari/ (where ~ is the path to your Home directory). If that folder does not exist, you will need to create it. The easiest way to do this is to go to the Finder and then choose the "Go to Folder..." option from the Go menu, as shown here: Once you have done that, a window will appear prompting you to enter the path that you want to go to. Enter ~/Library/Scripts/Applications/Safari/ and see if it opens the folder. (Aside: If it says "The folder can't be found" try going to ~/Library/Scripts/Applications/ instead, and then just create the 'Safari' folder using File » New Folder from the menu bar.) Once you are in the ~/Library/Scripts/Applications/Safari/ folder, simply drag the 'Open in Google Chrome.scpt' file to it from the other Finder window. Using 'Open in Google Chrome.scpt' From Safari Once 'Open in Google Chrome' is installed, there are two ways to use it from Safari. Option one is to use the "Scripts" menu extra from OS X. Option two is to use a program called FastScripts. I prefer FastScripts, but will explain how to use the standard OS X option first. To use that Scripts menu, launch the "AppleScript Editor.app" found in /Applications/Utilities/ and then go to Preferences and enable the option 'Show Script menu in menu bar' as shown here: Once the Script menu is enabled, you will see 'Open in Google Chrome' whenever you are in Safari. Just click on the Scripts icon in the menu bar and select it as shown here: But what if you want to use a keyboard shortcut instead of the mouse? For that you will need FastScripts, which gives you everything the standard 'Scripts' menu offers, plus the ability to assign keyboard shortcuts. To assign a keyboard shortcut, open FastScript's preferences and find the entry for 'Safari' under your home folder, then locate the 'Open in Google Chrome' entry. Click over in the 'Shortcut' column and assign it a keyboard shortcut. As you can see here, I have chosen ⌥ (Option) + G: FastScripts lets you assign up to 10 keyboard shortcuts for AppleScripts for free. If you want to use more than 10, you'll need to buy a license for US$15. As a keyboard-lovin' mouse-hater, I consider that a bargain. FastScripts offers a lot more than just keyboard shortcuts, so I would encourage you to check it out. "Flash Free" Now whenever I am in Safari and encounter a page which requires Flash, I press ⌥ + G and the page loads in Google Chrome. It's quick and easy, and doesn't require that I maintain a separate Flash installation. Adobe Flash continues to be a source of security problems. Using it in only Google Chrome is a good way to increase your browsing security, especially since Chrome is frequently updated. p.s. since I know there are many other Keyboard Maestro fans out there, I'll also add a quick link to my Keyboard Maestro macro for doing this same thing using Keyboard Maestro.
Safari used to hijack MacBook Pro at Pwn2Own 2011
A flaw in WebKit, the engine that underlies Safari, Mobile Safari, and several other browsers, was found to be vulnerable in this year's "Pwn2Own" competition, as reported by ZDNet and many others. This is noteworthy for several reasons: first, because the exploit did not use Flash. You will remember that last year's Pwn2Own winner stated "the main thing is not to install Flash" for browser security. Secondly, it is important because WebKit is used not only by Safari but several other browsers, notably several mobile browsers, although it is not immediately apparent whether this same bug could be exploited on a mobile platform. It's also possible that the exploit could make Windows and even Linux computers vulnerable if they are running a WebKit-based browser, but details are not fully known. Computerworld noted that Google's $20,000 reward for anyone who could break into Chrome on opening day went unclaimed, as the contestant who had signed up did not appear at the Pwn2Own contest. It is unknown whether Google paid to have him assassinated (that's a joke folks, lighten up). Computerworld went on to note that according to the current schedule no one is even going to try to attack Chrome this year, meaning that it could survive a record three consecutive Pwn2Own contests. That is particularly surprising to me since Google Chrome includes its own version of Adobe Flash, but if you're looking to use the most secure browser out there, Google Chrome looks to be your browser of choice. [via Slashdot]
Chrome gets a performance boost, simplified settings interface
It was just a month ago that Google brought Chrome up to version 9 with various performance upgrades and other improvements, but it's now already back with version 10, which is fresh out of beta today. That boasts yet more upgrades in speed -- include a 66 percent improvement in JavaScript performance on the V8 benchmark suite -- along with a completely revamped settings interface that replaces the usual window with a tab in the browser. You can also now synchronize your saved passwords across different computers, and Google has extended its sandboxing technology to the integrated Flash player in Chrome, which promises to better guard against malicious websites. As usual, Google has also explained all of the improvements in some handy videos -- check those out after the break.
Microsoft releases H.264 plug-in for Google Chrome, vows to support WebM video in IE9
Hard to believe that the infamous "fragmentation" term is now being bandied about in the web browser world, but sure enough, it's Microsoft using the term today to describe the brave new realm we're living in. If you'll recall, Google defended its decision to not include H.264 support natively in Chrome, but maintained that WebM plug-ins were coming to Safari and Internet Explorer 9. Today, Microsoft's kinda-sorta returning the favor. Following the outfit's release of a Firefox add-on to bring full H.264 support to Windows machines, the outfit is releasing a plug-in for Chrome (only the Windows version for now) that provides support for H.264. Furthermore, it's committed to supporting third-party WebM video plug-ins; to quote, users "will be able to play WebM video in IE9." It's fairly obvious that Microsoft's taking this golden opportunity to push its browser as one that supports everything (rather than just its own preferred format), but regardless of the motives, we're just happy to see differences put aside and compatibility finding priority.
Chrome for a Cause results tabulated: good will all around (but mostly for vaccinations)
Did you join in Chrome for a Cause? The $1 million tab-heavy campaign has come and gone (with a 250 tab per day maximum, much to our click-frenzied dismay), and Google's tallied up the final scores. Of the nearly 60.6 million tabs "donated", 16.2m went for vaccinations, 14.8m tabs for trees, 14.1m for water... 8.6m for books and 6.8m for shelter. Bit of an interesting disparity, there. Were those two not as well presented in the contribution menu? Did the return (0.4 square feet per day at most) not seem as great as the number of trees you could plant? Google eBooks? It's all still a good chunk of change for each of the five partnering charities. Full breakdown at the Chrome blog -- and don't deactivate that extension if you want to maximize your Reddit addiction for the next charitable go-around.
Google launches Chrome for a Cause drive, donates for each tab opened until the 19th
Google is clearly not aware of how many tabs we have open right now. Check the source link for an extension that will allow you to donate to a charity of your choice based on how many tabs you open each day. [Thanks, Josh]
Chrome to Windows Phone 7 now available
Approved and waiting for your download, Chrome to Windows Phone 7 is now available in the mobile OS' operating system. True to its name, once you download both this app and the applicable Chrome extension, a quick click on the Windows logo in your otherwise Google browser will send links or selected text to your Microsoft mobile. Join your Android friends in embracing the Continuous Client lifestyle. Update: Looks like Site to Phone can handle just about any smartphone. Thanks, Ed!
Chrome 8 released: web app support and built-in PDF viewer are a go
There are no apps just yet, but Google's Chrome browser is now reportedly updated to support the impending Web Store launch. Version 8.0.552.215 -- just call it '8,' for short -- also provides a built-in PDF viewer and over 800 claimed bug fixes. Download's a no-brainer if you're rocking the current stable release. And if you look at the code close enough, you might spot a Chrome OS release date. Okay, no, not really.
Passengers net free WiFi while flying Delta, AirTran or Virgin America this holiday season
It's certainly not the first free in-flight WiFi promotion that we've seen, but this one's hitting at just the right time. For goodhearted, family-minded individuals who plan on jumping ship and heading to greener pastures for the holidays, you'll be elated to know that Delta, AirTran and Virgin America are all offering gratis in-flight Wi-Fi for the holidays. And shockingly enough, there's no catch. Despite being sponsored by Google's Chrome browser, you won't actually need it to access the respective services. Oh, and for those curious, the deal is active from November 20th, 2010 to January 2nd, 2011. You know, right before every nerd in the universe flies into LAS for CES. Nice cutoff date, guys.
Chrome is now 2 years old! Google celebrates with release of version 6
Two years. Can you believe it's only been two years since we started browsing the internet faster than a potato can tear through the air? Well, Google can, and it's certainly not been sitting around during that time, improving Chrome's JavaScript performance by a factor of 3, and throwing in a litany of additional features, like tab side-by-side view, themes, auto-translation, and bookmark and preference sync across machines. To celebrate the anniversary, the company's uploaded version numero 6 to its stable channel, which brings a few more GUI optimizations and some bug fixes to the table. Hardware graphics acceleration isn't yet included in the public release, but it too shall be joining the party before long.
Gmail evolves a new drag-and-drop file saving function
Yeah, yeah, you've been dragging and dropping attachments into your emails since primordial times, but how about being able to drag files out of a message and onto your desktop? That's just the thing that Google has recently added to Gmail, courtesy of its Chrome-tastic browser. You can now snatch those pics your grandkids sent along and easily deposit them into your folder of choice without ever having to see so much as a pop-up prompt or additional menu. We like it very much and hope users of other browsers aren't out in the cold for too long either.
Google Chrome gets some early device orientation 'plumbing'
We remember well the first time we managed to put an accelerometer in our possession to good use: back when the MacBook Pros started shipping with them as sudden motion sensors to protect the hard drive, someone hooked up some light saber noises to the tilt motion. A few months later we were pretending to make light saber noises with the Wii, and then the iPhone came along and democratized the accelerometer-based light saber noise for all of humanity. Next up? The browser. Firefox 3.6 already supports this capability, and now Chromium is getting some early work in that direction as well -- and with the browser-as-OS that Google's Chrome OS represents, Chromium's support of this feature is welcome news indeed. We hear that light saber noise-producing low fat snacks are next on the docket!
Opera parodies Google's Chrome speed tests mercilessly (video)
This, dear friends, is the height of comedy. Opera's pair of Scandinavian browser testers are back, this time applying some extremely high-tech speed tests to determine whether the Norwegian browser is faster than boiling a potato. Seriously, if you're not laughing at this, you either work for Google or you have a funny bone missing. In more concrete news, the acceptance of Opera Mini to the iPhone has accounted for a cool 70 percent of the Mini's growth over the month of April, with 2.6 million Apple users downloading the software worldwide. But that's not what you're here for, you're here to see the epic video, which awaits after the break along with Google's original. [Thanks, Ian G.]
Google Chrome hits version 5, brings stability to Mac and Linux
You've been biding your time, enduring the evils of Firefox, Safari, Opera and perhaps even Internet Explorer (dare we speak its name), slowly summoning your courage to give Google's alternative a try. Well, kiddo, we've got good news and bad. The good news is that if your box lovingly depicts fruit or a well-dressed penguin, you'll no longer get short shrift: Chrome 5 is out of beta and stable across Mac and Linux for the first time, with browser sync and a host of new HTML5 functionality to boot. The bad news is that Chrome has some quirks of its own... but hey, let's not spoil the experience -- no matter what platform you try it on, the WebKit browser is definitely speedy. Those flyin' french fries aren't just for show.
Google unveils Chrome web store, Sports Illustrated app impresses
Interested to know how you were gonna fill up that Chrome OS app page? Google just announced its new online web app store at I/O. So far they've shown off Dark Room for image editing, a pretty slick version of TweetDeck, and yes, like every other platform known to man, there's Plants. vs. Zombies and Lego Star Wars. Paid-for software will be offered -- Dark Room is $4.99, if you want to go ahead and put that money aside. No word on a launch date, but we'll keep pushing for more. We were just shown a demo of Sports Illustrated's interactive magazine, and we gotta say, it's mighty impressive -- embedded video, fully searchable, and some pretty clever tricks with geolocation that frankly exceed most anything we've seen on the iPad thus far. The web store -- for Chrome and Chrome OS -- will hit the dev channel "soon." %Gallery-93302%
Acer holding global event at end of May, no Chrome OS devices planned to launch
Thinking that early June / Computex will see the launch of Acer's Chrome OS devices? That's what we heard yesterday, but after doing a little digging of our own, our advice is simply, don't hold your breath. A source within Acer has told us that the company has no plans to hold a press conference at the Taipei show, and that a global launch event will be held in New York on May 25. The "significant news" Acer has to share this spring will be revealed then, but it doesn't seem like it'll entail Chrome OS devices either. So, what do we make of all of this? If we had to bet, we'd say that Chrome isn't quite ready for prime time yet, as others have been reporting. But Acer has been known to show early prototypes of devices behind glass at trade shows -- we saw the Android Aspire One under lock and key at Computex last year. Who knows what will happen in the next few weeks with Google I/O, this Acer event and Computex, but we just have a feeling we'll be waiting a bit longer for the company's Chrome OS systems to hit the market. Though, that doesn't mean it won't launch them in the second half of the year like originally promised.
Google Chrome: faster than a flying potato
Google's never been shy to make claims that Chrome is the fastest browser on the planet, but it's truly pulled out all the stops to drive that point home for its latest beta. Rather than rely on some simple benchmarks, Google decided to test Chome against some other things that are fast -- namely, a potato cannon, sound waves, and lightning. We won't spoil all the surprise for you, but you can rest assured that Chrome comes out looking pretty good, and that everything else gets a little messy. Head on past the break to check out the speed tests for yourself, as well as the requisite making-of video.
HTML5 vs. Flash comparison finds a few surprises, settles few debates
Think we'd all be better off if HTML5 could somehow instantly replace Flash overnight? Not necessarily, according to a set of comparisons from Jan Ozer of the Streaming Learning Center website, which found that while HTML5 did come out ahead in many respects, it wasn't exactly a clear winner. The tests weren't completely scientific, but they did find that HTML5 clearly performed better than Flash 10 or 10.1 in Safari on a Mac, although the differences were less clear cut in Google Chrome or Firefox. On the other hand, Flash more than held its own on Windows, and Flash Player 10.1 was actually 58% more efficient than HTML5 in Google Chrome on the Windows system tested. As you may have deduced, one of the big factors accounting for that discrepancy is that Flash is able to take advantage of GPU hardware acceleration in Windows, while Adobe is effectively cut out of the loop on Mac -- something it has complained about quite publicly. According to Ozer, the differences between HTML5 and Flash playback on a Mac could be virtually eliminated if Flash could make use of GPU acceleration. Hit up the link below for all the numbers. Update: Mike Chambers has performed some additional tests that he says shows that "does not perform consistently worse on Mac than on Windows." Check out the complete results here.
Google Chrome for Mac (finally) gets Extension support
Exciting news for Mac-using Chrome lovers: the latest dev-channel build of Google Chrome (finally) includes support for extensions, among other new features. Similar to Firefox Add-ons, Chrome Extensions allow 3rd-party developers to add new functionality to the browser. There's a decent collection of Extensions available already at Google's Extensions Gallery, although not all of them will work with the Mac version. Interested developers can dive into the documentation on creating new extensions. Additional features include built-in support for bookmark syncing, as well as the ability to "pin" tabs with just their favicon showing. It seems like a big jump in bringing the Mac version of Chrome up to feature parity with other platforms, which is great to see. Remember, these features are in the bleeding-edge dev channel, you won't find them (yet) in the main (likely more stable) beta download. Side note: there's a continuing issue with Chrome on my MacBook Pro where most common web fonts show up garbled. It's only (apparently) fixable by restarting the font server (atsutil server -shutdown) before launching, but returns soon after. It might be related to FontAgent Pro, or maybe something horribly wrong with my font cache (which has been cleared and rebuilt with no results), I'm not sure. Until this one is fixed, I'm starting Chrome with a shell script that stops and then pings the font server before launching Chrome. It's not a pretty solution, and I sincerely hope I see a fix for this one soon. If you've got a solution, sound off in the comments! [via Lifehacker]
Internet Explorer losing users as other browsers set share records
In the last quarter, Chrome, Safari and Opera all set new personal bests for browser market share with 4.63, 4.46 and 2.4 percent respectively. This period marks the first time Chrome has beaten Safari to third spot, while their collective prosperity comes at the expense of IE, which continues to hemorrhage users at a rate of 0.92 percentage points a month. Microsoft's 62.7 percent slice might still look mighty, but projections from Net Applications suggest it could shrink to below 50 percent by May of this year. Unless something magical happens. You'll probably also want to know that Net Applications monitors incoming traffic to over 40,000 websites and generates a sample size of about 160 million unique visitors each month -- making the veracity of its claims pretty robust. One hidden sign of our collective laziness: 21 percent of all users last quarter were still fulfilling their browsing needs with IE 6. For shame.
