Google mail…Google browser?

At Arstechnica this morning, they are reporting (from the NY Post) trends
that suggest Google maybe targeting browsers as their next foray. Apparently
a number of people with browser building skills were recently hired, and the
domain gbrowser is held by Google. Ars asks “The larger question is one of
why. Why a browser? What does Google hope to offer that isn’t already extant
in the web browser market?”

They answer it with the statement: The obvious answer is linkage to other
Google properties. In other words, they are viewing it similar to the value
of certain portals of years gone. However, there is potential for more. This
harkens to the view of old: the browser as a platform. Google now holds many
valuable Internet applications: webmail, adserving, search engine, blogging,
and more. What if they were able to tie¹ these with a “rich” client?

This interface could be done in several ways:

1. XUL
2. JavaScript & DOM parsing
3. A browser shell

With such an interface, think of how much better, and easier to use,
their Internet applications would be. And, of course, more possiblities open
with such: more space for branding and adserving, better tie-ins for
other Google properties and partners.