Google Chrome, rumored since 2004, was formally announced on the Google blog over the Labour day weekend.   The oddly timed announcement was forced after Google prematurely sent out a comic book drawn up to herald the new browser’s arrival to some media outlets 

Many are considering this a direct shot at Microsoft, which dominates the browser market, in response to IE8’s launch last week.  Microsoft’s unveiling of a test version of its latest browser update, with tweaks that include more tools for Web surfers to cloak their on-line preferences, creating a shield that could make it more difficult for marketing networks to figure out which ads are most likely to appeal to which individuals.

Prior to Chrome, Google has been a strong supporter of Firefox, a Web browser developed by the open-source Mozilla Foundation, through an advertising partnership  (recently extended until 2011).  Firefox ranks as the second most popular browser, with a market share of more than 10 percent.

This announcement should not come as a surprise given the browser is the most significant piece of software related to the Internet.  In a blog post Monday, Google touted Chrome as a more sophisticated Web browser better suited for displaying the dynamic and interactive content blossoming on the Web as people migrate from television, radio and newspapers.

Tags: googlechrome, microsoft IE 8, Mozilla, internet browsers, rich content, interactive content, security, internet preferences, internet marketing, search engine