Chrome to get orientation support for tablets

Google is working on bringing orientation support to its Chrome browser and operating system. Meant for tablets, the feature is being integrated into the WebKit rendering engine and would allow users to steer in a racing video game or control the direction of a marble on a table simply by tilting the host device. A much simpler but more useful application would involve tilting the screen or photos depending on the way a device is held.

The function of browsers as operating systems does require a network connection, which is why they are mostly aimed at smartphones and tablets. Google already offers a large number of tools in its Google Apps suite, and its upcoming Chrome OS is almost entirely browser-based. Apple already reorients the browser in iOS devices, but a change to WebKit could have web apps use an iPad, iPhone or iPod's movements to control on-screen actions.

In related news, Mozilla's Firefox Mobile also has support for the accelerometers in supporting smartphones and tablets. [via CNET]

By Electronista Staff