On March 2 Google released the beta version of the Google Chrome internet browser with integrated translator.

When Google Chrome displays a page in a foreign language, it offers to translate to the default language.

This function doesn’t require installing any plugins or apps. The new beta also includes incognito mode. It’s similar to the service in the new Opera 10.50 and lets users clean up all traces of their network presence (site visit history, downloads). However, unlike the new Opera, in Google Chrome you can’t set incognito mode on specific tabs — only on the entire browser window.

Innovations are also expected in the Gmail email service. The focus will be on security. Rumour has it that a system will be used to send SMS to a user if the system suspects the account has been hijacked. Google has not yet commented, but an official announcement is expected this week.

Google is also introducing the Public Data Explorer statistics service. Users get a unique new tool for statistical data analysis as the new Google Labs project combines two technologies. The service is called Public Data Explorer and combines over a dozen databases — including demographic data, health statistics, labour market data, and many others. Combined with browser technology, such databases give researchers the ability to create interactive graphs that visualise information.

Interactive graphs let you examine the dynamics over time for various parameters. You can also examine several different statistical parameters and their relationships to one another. Additionally, you can highlight a country or metric on the graph.