More than 1 billion people now use Google's Chrome app every month (GOOG)

The app for Google's Chrome web browser now has more than 1 billion monthly active users,and smartphone usage is set to overtake its desktop usage,director of product management Rahul Roy-Chowdhury tells Business Insider.That trend has shaped some ofthe team'sbiggest ambitions for the coming year: finding ways to make the Chrome experience use less datalike through improving image compression andencouraging developers to create "progressive web apps" which work in browsers like Chrome, but feel like apps.Alot of Chrome'snew users are coming from emerging markets where smartphones are the entry point to the web and people have slower connections, so finding ways to make Chrome suck uplessdata is crucial if it wants those users."Mobile-first markets arevery important go us," Roy-Chowdhurysays.Google first launched Chrome nearly eight years agoit was actually one of the most importantinitiatives spearheaded bySundar Pichai, who eventually became the company's CEO.The browser is currently celebrating its 50th update, so Google shared these other stats on just how big Chrome has gotten:SEE ALSO:What Pinterest looks for in employees: 'People who have more interests than time'Join the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: Tony Robbins reviews DJ Khaled's keys to success
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