Chrome Shines For Google In Latest Browser Race Stats

Microsoft (NSDQ:MSFT)’s strangehold on the GOOG)’s Chrome (6.7 percent), Apple (NSDQ:AAPL)’s Safari (4.7 percent) and Opera (2.3 percent) round out the top five.

Microsoft lost about 0.7 percent share compared to March and has steadily dropped over the last couple of years. In April 2009, Microsoft held a 67.8 percent share according to Net Applications, Aliso Viejo, Calif. Over the last 12 months, Chrome has gained the most ground, up from 1.8 percent share in April 2009.

Meanwhile, StatCounter reported an even more precipitous fall for IE. According to the Dublin, Ireland-based company, IE held just 53.3 percent market share in April and its lead has dwindled every month since last July. Firefox captured 31.7 percent share last month according to StatCounter, while Chrome holds 8.1 percent share, Safari 4.2 percent and Opera 1.8 percent.
IE held 61.9 percent share in April 2009, with Chrome also posting the biggest share increase over the last 12 months (from 2.1 percent to 8.1), according to StatCounter.