How much can a web browser do?
We all know Chrome for its outstanding features and stability. It is the most used web browser for everyday internet users. Although most of us only use it to open several ordinary websites a day.
However, technology is evolving at a stunning pace. That asks web browsers to provide more flexible functionalities.
Here enter Google Chrome’s experiments.
In this article, we will answer all your questions regarding Chrome experiments. We also mentioned the unique ones that will make you rethink creativity.
So, without much raving, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What is Chrome Experiments?
Chrome launched the experiments in March 2009 to test the limits of JavaScript and Google’s V8JavaScript engine. The program began with only 19 experiments owned by google. Further, it started showcasing other open-source web-based technologies like HTML5, WebGL, Scalable Vector Graphics, Web Audio, and the Canvas element.
Later the site gained popularity, and people started submitting their experiments on the website. Now, Chrome’s experiment adds a few new experiments each week. There are 1572 experiments available in the collection as of November 2020.
The experiments are divided into several collections like Creatibility, Android experiments, AI experiments, AR experiments, Voice experiments, and much more. Most of them are created by artists and coders not associated with Google.
You can distinguish between the in-house projects and third-party ones by looking at the URL. If Google hosts an experiment, it will open on the same site. Otherwise, a user-submitted project will take you to their site through a verified link.
Most of the experiments consist of games, visualizations, and interactive toys. However, developers are adding new depth to this technology by combining it with several others. Therefore, we can come across something fascinating in the coming future.
How Do I Access Chrome Experiments?
Chrome launched the experiments feature on the website “www.chromeexperiments.com.” However, now it hosts all the experiments on a different URL, i.e., experiments.withgoogle.com.
You can visit the above link and look for various experiments. There are multiple collections available according to the genre of the experiments. If you find the skimming work tiring, we got you covered.
Here is a list of some of the most creative Chrome experiments.
Best Chrome Experiments
You can find some unique and exciting projects in Chrome’s experiments. Most of them are visualizations, info-sites, or simple online games.
1. Song Maker
If you are interested in music, then Song Maker is a must-try.
It let you create music on various instruments like Piano, Strings, Marimba, Synth. You can also add rhythm using Conga, Drum Kit, Blocks, and more.
You have to click or swipe on the blocks to create different notes. Other option to play includes the keyboard arrow keys, electronic piano, or singing a note. Then hit the play button to play your music in a loop. You can also share the link with your friends to let them listen and edit the song. There is no need to make an account, and it’s completely free.
2. Assisted Melody
Another addition for music lovers is the Assisted Melody experiment. It is also Google’s project that helps you create meaningful compositions.
The tool is created on the baseline of Johann Sebastian Bach’s style of playing. The composing style is known as Baroque in the music industry.
You have to create foundational notes and hit the Harmonize button. The tool will then use machine learning to provide the best supporting music for your composition using the Baroque technique. You can choose between various instruments like Piano, Flute, Synth, and more.
You can click on the visible strings or the blue part of the screen on various spots to create different notes.
3. Browser Pong
We have played Ping-pong once in real-life or on a PC game. If not, then try Browser Pong.
In Ping-pong, there are two players on opposite sides of the table attempting to hit the ball. The one who misses a shot gives a point to the opponent. Browser Pong also works on the same rules. However, instead of a table, it is your screen. Similarly, the racket and ball are replaced by a browser window of a custom size.
You are required to deactivate the pop-up blocker from Chrome to allow the game to start.
4. Twitch
Another minimal and unique browser-based game is Twitch.
You first require to disable the pop-up blocker of Chrome. The game begins with a small custom size window. The aim is to take the ball to what seems like a hole. As soon as you do that, a new window with the same aim but a different technique appears.
I like this game for its minimal approach and ease of play. You require to apply some logic, and that is a real stress buster. However, once you finish the game, you have to close all the windows one at a time.
5. Radio Garden
Radio Garden is one of the unique experiments available on Chrome. It brings together radio stations from all over the world in one place.
As you open the site, a globe is visible on the screen with green dots everywhere. These dots are the radio station locations you can hear.
Swipe on the globe and pinch/scroll to zoom in to locate your preferred station. You can also search for a station name in the search box. The website does not guarantee to show all stations. However, it is much more than anyone can ask.
6. Scan Sequencer
Scan sequencer is a browser-based music application. It uses your webcam to record the change in color on a particular vertical line. You can use your fingers or any object to make the motion.
The app recognizes the movement and creates a pluck on that string. You can see a pointer moving on the line, which hits a string to make a note.
The app isn’t much accurate and requires you to practice the proper positions. You can then create a melody out of thin air. How cool is that?
It also opens the doors for future possibilities of making electronic music using nothing but gestures.
7. WebGL Globe
WebGL is the most used technology when it comes to rendering 2-D or 3-D graphics. It has played a significant role in the development of Google Maps as well.
Google presents a collection of various data on different URLs using the same WebGL globe as the base. The data uses altitude spikes and color graphs to distinguish between different values.
8. NASA Visual Universe
We have all seen photo albums in our life, but Google has mixed it up with some keyword search and stunning representation here.
NASA’s Visual Universe is a Google Experiment that shows NASA’s images going back to the 1950s. The project uses an interesting approach to show different categories. It builds a cluster of stars named with various subjects like Rocket, Earth, Material, and much more. You can click on one bubble to open the images in that category. Or you can use the search box to look for a specific term.
9. Bagan
It is one of the massive graphic rendering experiments by Chrome.
Bagan is a popular place in Myanmar known for its ruins of temples. The tourist site was heavily affected by the 2016 earthquake.
Therefore, Google decided to keep it alive ina 3-Dimensional VR tour for generations to come. It is a rendition of 360° videos and photographs. You can look at it through your desktop, mobile, or using a VR set.
It is an example of how we can record history in much better ways in the 21st century.
10. SandSpiel
It is a fun game type of artwork that uses general chemistry concepts.
You have objects like wood, sand, seed, wall, dust, fire, and more at your disposal. You can create random art and share it with your friends. Or, you can play with it for a while. Mark my word, it does not seem to be addictive, but it is.
Other users have uploaded their creations on the website. You can also upload or tinker with others to have fun.
Conclusion
In short, Google Chrome’s Experiments is a bunch of visual, audio, and interactive projects. Or can be presented by Google or by a third-party developer team. Google’s aim behind launching this program is to test the limits of a browser.
It looks like we can do much better than creating standard HTML pages. We have mentioned some unique experiments in the list, which will make you rethink if it all is part of your browser capacity.
