Today I was asking some of my colleagues about their browser
preferences and they ranked the favorites like this- 1. Mozilla Firefox, 2.
Google Chrome, 3. Opera. When I asked why Firefox tops the list, the answer was
“it’s easier to use and fastest.”
Personally, I am a Chrome fan and as far as my knowledge is
concerned, Google Chrome is the world’s fastest browser. However, “speed” is
not the quality that makes it my favorite. I love this powerful browser because
of its usability features.
“Chrome Web Store” is a popular application market that
provides free utility and entertainment apps for free, but surprisingly, my
colleagues are not aware of its services.
This post is for those people who have never tried the
applications and extensions in Chrome. Here are some exciting apps and
extensions that can improve productivity level and make your web experience
less monotonous.
Install Chrome in your computer and get amazed.
- Google Dictionary- Easy to use and really helpful for anyone. Even if you are an English scholar, meaning of every English word is not known to you. Once you install this extension, just double click on any unknown word and enrich your vocabulary. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/google-dictionary-by-goog/mgijmajocgfcbeboacabfgobmjgjcoja?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon
- Pixlr- This is the online Photoshop for everyone. Pixlr offers wonderful features and flexibility. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/pixlr-editor/icmaknaampgiegkcjlimdiidlhopknpk?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon
- AdBlock- We hate ads on web pages and always wonder “Is there any option to close these banner and pop up ads?” Actually, there is an option to block the unwanted ads easily. Just install this extension and voila! All the ads will be wiped out from your favorite sites. Here is the link https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon
- Hover Zoom- Dial-up connection users don’t even click on the thumbnails because they know a large image takes 4-5 minutes to appear. However, the waiting period is over. Just install hover zoom extension and bring your mouse pointer over a thumbnail image that has a backlink. The enlarged photo will appear within a few seconds. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/nonjdcjchghhkdoolnlbekcfllmednbl?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon
- Google Translate- Google has the translation website, but it does not let you translate an entire webpage instantly. If you check variety of websites from different parts of the world, this tool can easily break the language barrier. After installation, the translate icon will appear beside address bar. Visit a foreign language website and click on the icon to witness the magic. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/aapbdbdomjkkjkaonfhkkikfgjllcleb?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon
- Awesome Screenshot: Capture and Annotate- Capturing a webpage or some parts of it was never easier than this. This extension not only allows you to take a screenshot, but provides editing options as well. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/alelhddbbhepgpmgidjdcjakblofbmce?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon
- Firebug Lite for Google Chrome- Firefox users love this tool as it lets them check the hidden HTML and CSS properties of a site. Some of my programmer friends use it heavily to get inspired (or steal codes!). Google is now offering Firebug as well. However, my suggestion for budding programmers, use it to enrich your coding knowledge and never copy paste others’ codes. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/bmagokdooijbeehmkpknfglimnifench?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon
- Angry Birds- Millions of game lovers enjoy this popular game on mobile OS platforms and Google decided to bring it to web users as well. I know this article is all about productivity and usability of a browser, but sometimes a little fun can increase efficiency. One of the biggest advantages of Chrome provided Angry Birds is that it’s an offline version. That means once installed, there is no need to connect internet for playing this game. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/aknpkdffaafgjchaibgeefbgmgeghloj?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon
- PageRank Status- Want to check the page rank of your site quickly? This is an ideal extension for that purpose. It shows Google rank, Alexa rank and also the geolocation of a website. I have checked my company website http://www.webguru-india.com/ and it showed an impressive 5 page rank. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/hbdkkfheckcdppiaiabobmennhijkknn?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon
- HelloFax- Who told you that a fax machine is absolutely necessary to send a fax? Download this application from Chrome Web Store to send fax directly from browser for free. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/hellofax-free-online-faxi/bocmleclimfnadgmcdgecijlblfcmfnm
Chrome has technologically evolved in past 4 years and now its the most used web browser in the world.
There are hundreds of other apps in Chrome Web Store and you should try them as
well. Hope the apps and extensions of Chrome will help you realize that a
browser is not just for visiting web pages, it’s much more. Keep reading
technologically yours to know more about web and technology.
