Google Inc, creator of the world’s most popular internet search engine, has developed its own web browser to challenge Microsoft Corp’s dominant Internet Explorer.

A test version of new software, named Google Chrome, will be available for download on Tuesday in more than 100 countries, Google announced on its corporate blog on Monday.

The company said its aim was to deliver a faster, more user-friendly and safer browser.

Web browsers are programmes that allow computer users to navigate the Internet. If Chrome is well-received, Google – which is already the top earner from online advertising and also offers programmes and services from e-mail to office software to virtually the entire globe – would further solidify its position in the industry.

At the same time, its browser was sure to be closely examined by privacy advocates because Mountain View, a California-based company, has been accused of collecting too much data on its customers.

[ via Karthik’s Perception ]