Samsung rolls out ad-blocking Android browser of its own

PanARMENIAN.Net - Owners of certain Samsung devices now have a new browser option: Samsung's very own "Internet" app, Engadget reports.

All versions of Android on Samsung devices (not just Marshmallow) now get content blocking (ad-blocking), provided you have a dedicated third-party app installed. Another notable feature is "Secret" mode, which is like Chrome's Incognito or Firefox's private browsing settings. However, Samsung has added authentication and encryption to more fully protect your internet browsing history, Engadget says.

Samsung initially launched ad-blocking for devices on Marshmallow (Android 6.0), but Google quickly pulled the required partner app, Adblocker Plus.

For Secret mode, Samsung took privacy beyond what's offered by other browsers, Engadget says. It stores saved pages and bookmarks with the same encryption tech it uses for Knox and gives you the option to access it with fingerprint authentication. To use that feature, you'll need a recent Samsung device, like the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S7 series, and the update is only supported on recent Samsung phones going back to the Galaxy S4 and Note 3, with Android 4.0 or later.