Let’s play a little game of word association. When I say Chrome, what’s the first word that comes into mind? There are plenty of options: OS, browser, minimalistic, growing, secure, web apps, Google. The first word that pops into my head, though, is “speedy.” Given the browser’s top-notch performance, especially since its version 10 release, it’s hard to argue against this particular adjective. And even more recently Google completed implementation on a feature that will make Chrome even SPDYer.
What is SPDY? Essentially, the SPDY code is designed to replace large portions of a site’s HTTP or TCP connections, batching server requests, increasing the maximum number of simultaneous streams, and otherwise improving the connection speed. By how much? According to initial Google examination, by between 44% to 64%. For the speed increase to work, though, both the browser (in this case Chrome) and the sites must be equipped with SPDY.
What this really means is that the Chrome browser will access any Google sites – where, yes, Google has already implemented SPDY – more quickly than any other browser can. Despite having implemented this code alteration in the latest stable version of Chrome, the impact may not be immediately noticeable by users; SPDY has been partially implemented since January, so there won’t be a huge jump, and since SPDY can’t prevent issues that arise from your internet provider there will still be some limitations.
SPDY itself will be released as open source, so other technologically capable companies may be implementing similar features in the semi-near future. Since Microsoft is the next likely candidate, this development indicates a trend of brand batching – where users loyal to Google/Microsoft services will gain advantages by using other shared-brand products as well.
[via Conceivably Tech]
