Various reports say Google is close to delivering on its promise to release a beta version of a Mac-based Chrome browser before the end of the year. The initiative, according to Aberdeen Group analyst Andrew Borg, is part of a much bigger strategic play by the search giant.

TechCrunch’s MG Siegler reports that a somewhat incomplete version of the browser is in the offering. Siegler says the beta — which is variously labeled “milestone 4″ and Chrome version 4 — will lack features such as the Bookmark Manager and App Mode. A Google spokesperson refused to supply details beyond reasserting that the company aims to release the Google Chrome for Mac in beta that year.

Siegler’s report jibes with Borg’s understanding of the browser’s status. “It apparently is going to be somewhat of a subset of the full Chrome browser that is used for the Wintel combination,” said Borg, who is the senior research analyst for wireless

and mobility at Aberdeen. “I think it will not include Gears, for example, and may not have some of the bells and whistles.”

Borg added that Google appears to be working to fulfill the end-of-year promise and functionally will no doubt be added by moment.

The First Question: Why?

The first question that Borg asks is a simple one: Why? “You may ask why they are doing that. The Mac Safari is certainly fast suitable, and Firefox has a strong position on the Mac. Is the Mac large abundant to be a target for Google? Yes. Is there more to it than meets the eye? Yes. With Google, there always are more to things than meets the eye.”

For Borg, context is vital. The development of the Chrome browser for the Mac is running in parallel with the development of the Chrome operating system, which recently was previewed…

Original post by dhiram