Samsung makes its internet browser available to more Android devices

By Adam Ismail June 5, 2017

galaxy s8 — Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Back in March, Samsung released a beta of its previously Galaxy-exclusive internet browser for Google Pixel and Nexus devices. It was a somewhat surprising move, given that most of the company’s apps never make it to non-Samsung products. The public release is now available, and while Google’s phones are supported, it seems other Android devices have been included, too.

Not every Android device can run the Samsung Internet Browser — your best bet for finding out whether or not yours can is by checking the Play Store. For example, Huawei’s Ascend Mate 2 seems to be randomly permitted, according to Android Police, while the majority of handsets aren’t. You’ll need to be running at least Android 5.0 Lollipop no matter what phone you’re using.

It’s also worth noting that the Google Play page says the app is only “officially supported” on Samsung and Google products — meaning that even if you can install it on another device, the company doesn’t promise it will work perfectly.

So why would you use Samsung’s browser in the first place? Like Chrome, it uses the Chromium rendering engine for speedy performance. Unlike Chrome, however, it supports a limited set of extensions — and that includes ad blockers.

There have been rumors that Google is working on an ad blocker of its own for Chrome on Android, but the reports are inconclusive, and there is no telling when the feature might arrive even if it is in the cards.

So if you own one of the few Android devices that can run Samsung’s browser, and you have been missing the ability to block ads, you can download the app for free right now and take it for a spin. If your phone isn’t supported yet, there is a possibility it may be in the future — so check back here and on Google Play for updates.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Adam’s obsession with tech began at a young age, with a Sega Dreamcast – and he’s been hooked ever since. Previously…

Mobile

The EU wants Apple and Samsung to make more repairable phones, improve battery efficiency

Repairing a Samsung phone

Environmental sustainability has been a hot-button issue for quite some time now and that's not changing any time soon. The European Union is looking to pass a new law that requires tech manufacturers to meet certain sustainability requirements before launching new devices. A trade association that represents the biggest names in tech — including Apple, Google, and Samsung — is pushing back on the legislation.

According to The Financial Times, the legislation would require manufacturers to provide additional spare parts for device repairs for at least five years following the device's launch. It also calls on companies to improve battery life so that batteries can survive 500 full charges before dipping below 83% capacity. Additionally, the law aims to make all devices display an energy effectiveness rating similar to those found in other common appliances.

Mobile

Samsung’s One UI 5 beta is already available for some Galaxy S22 owners

Purple Samsung Galaxy S22 front and back.

Samsung's One UI 5 beta is beginning to roll out for select Galaxy S22 owners via the Samsung Members app. Today, Samsung announced the early rollout would be exclusive to Germany, South Korea, and the U.S. — but it quickly pulled the announcement from its website without a replacement (likely a sign that the post went up earlier than it should have). While Samsung works on getting its timing right, folks who've gotten early access to One UI 5 have taken to Twitter to show off the new features.

As expected, One UI 5 puts customization at the forefront of the update. Now, Galaxy users will have nearly endless options when it comes to how they want their UI to look. Early examples that we've seen on Twitter include things such as expanded color options, widget stacking, and more ways than ever before to customize notification settings. All of this was detailed in the pulled presser that Samsung officially posted earlier today, in addition to details regarding other new features coming with the update.

Mobile

Discord is making its Android app more like iOS, and in a good way

Discord app icon on the screen smartphone

If you own an Android phone, you may have noticed that the iPhone gets new features from your favorite apps before Android devices do -- or, in some cases, not at all. Discord is changing that by switching to React Native for its Android app.

According to a blog post written by Discord's product team, React Native is an open-source UI software framework that will allow the company to release new features across all platforms simultaneously. In other words, Discord users who have Android will receive all the new features the company introduces at the same the iOS app does instead of waiting for them to come weeks or months after iOS.