Google doesn’t believe in timetables for Chrome’s Mac and Linux deployment

Google’s new web browser Chrome was officially unveiled today and is ready for download here — if you have a Windows PC. If you’re like me and don’t have a Windows machine, you were probably disappointed to learn that Google didn’t have a Mac or Linux version ready for launch day. While both are promised to be in the works, it may be a while, the company laid out on its Google Mac Blog today.

Here’s the key quotes about the Mac and Linux Chrome launch from the post:

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“We can’t make concrete predictions yet…”

“While we’re working hard and fast on catching up to the Windows version, we’re not setting an artificial date for when they’ll be ready–we simply can’t predict enough to make a solid estimate”

“While we can’t give any dates yet, we’ll keep everyone informed as we get closer.”

Do you think Google wants to know that it’s not comfortable setting a date for a Mac or Linux release just yet? Those hoping for a quick turnaround on the other platforms probably shouldn’t hold their breath.

At least Google is taking its time for the right reasons.

“One overriding goal we have had from the start has been to build the best browser we can. When it comes to Mac and Linux versions, this means that our goal is not to just “port” a Windows application to these other platforms–rather, our goal is to deliver Chromium’s innovative, Google-style user interface without rough edges on any of them.”

If Chrome lives up to the potential that Google is laying out, I don’t think anyone will want some quick work port of the browser on Mac or Linux machines. For years, Mac users have had to suffer through terrible ports of PC games over to their systems. It’s no pleasant experience. (Thankfully, the new EA game Spore will launch next week will launch for both PC and Mac on the same day.)

Google has Mac and Linux engineers working on versions specifically built for those platforms. It also hinted that since the browser is open source, the Internet community may even have a hand in getting it ready for launch.

You can also sign up on the download page to receive updates about the Mac Chrome launch.