With Android growing at an uncontrollable rate these days, I thought it might be a great time to make mention of something that many people don’t talk to much about, you web browser. The browser that comes stock on our devices does the trick. It allows you to surf, post, download, upload and all the basic requirements you would need to enjoy the web on a mobile device. Did you know that there are other choices on the market that offer different UI’s, features and even in some cases killer widgets?
When I hear ‘web browser’ in reference to Android I immediately think of the top browser apps on the market - Opera, Dolphin HD and Firefox. While looking through the market the other day i noticed a different browser that I hadn’t seen before. A simple search in the market for ‘Browser’ pulled up so many options that I couldn’t believe it. I know many of you are die-hard fans of a certain browser and I would never try to sway your passion for that app. For many though, they don’t even know there is a choice! Crazy, I know.
We are going to give you just a quick look at 5 alternative browsers that are available for free via the market. Each one has its own special little ability or perk. If you find any of them interesting, simply click on the name of the browser to head into the market to give it a try.
This browser was rated #2 by TechCrunch and Appolicious/Yahoo. It offers Flash ability, Facebook QuickView, Popular Pages, Twitter Integration, Google Reader and Sports, News & Finance Buttons. Just to name a few. Sounds great right, but what do some of the features even mean.
Popular Pages
You just finished reading a story on one of your favorite web sites and want to quickly decide what to read next. Click on the Popular button on the Skybar and instantly see what content on the site is most popular within the 500+ million user Facebook community. Recommendations from friends are prioritized and show up at the top of the list.
Facebook QuickView
Facebook quick view keeps your Facebook page loaded in the cloud for easy, one touch access to your news feed, profile, friends, inbox, events and places.
Potential CONs: Recent comments state that if you go to another app you lose the web page you were on.
Boat browser mini offers the user quite a lot in a small package. The overall UI is very clean and simple to use with out a lot of extra’s in your way of your browsing experience. It includes a speed dial home page similar to Opera, that you can set to bookmarks or any web page of your choice. It allows for quick bookmarking and fast creation of a bookmark as an app on your home screen. Built in download manager, apps to SD and cache to SD. Toss in themes and you have a fully customize-able look and feel for a browser that worked extremely well and fast for me. I also liked the pop up window for copying certain text from a web page. made getting to the right spots much easier with out having to lift my finger often to see if I went far enough or too far.
Angel browser doesn’t have all that many frills attached to it, but it still work really well. It does allow you to import and export your Google bookmarks to help keep you and your PC in sync easily. It offers all the traditional browser options one could need to get through a session online. Offering an onscreen cursor, full screen option, show page ranking and gesture support. It is worth a look if you are looking for something clean and simple.
This browser has been out for quite a while and has progressed quite nicely. It is designed primarily for higher end device that can push things well. It is clean with minimal overhead to offer the best performance. xScope offers what they call ‘True Tabs’. It also features the ability to import/export both Google bookmarks and HTML bookmarks. The browser incorporates a simple to use file browsing system allowing you to find, copy and move downloaded files where you need them to be. It also has a build in screen capture option to seamlessly share a screen shot of the page you are on with friends via messaging or any of your social networks.
Again, this is a really nice browser that many of you might end up loving. IF not, simply uninstall it and move on with your life.
Miren Browser has been climbing steadily since it was originally launched. It hasn’t seen any updates since February of this year, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. I tend to find apps that have updates often are usually the ones that need the most work. Always trying to add new features and changing a UI isn’t always good business. This browser offers many of the dame features all the others we have mentioned. Quick dial home page, top navigation, smart full screen mode and flash support round out this browser option.
We know there are many others in the market to choose from, some may be better suited for your needs than others. If one browser doesn’t function properly or the performance is to slow for you, move on to another one. The browser that suits me best might not suit you at all. I hope you guys all take a little bit of time to check out what options there are, you might be surprised by what you find.
About the Author
Stormy Beach
I worked at T-Mobile for 5 years. I was the go to guy for Android phones and training. That passion didn't stop even after my departure from the company. I currently moved up from my MyTouch 3G to a Samsung Vibrant. A lot has changed in a very short time. I look forward to all the latest and greatest every time I wake up.
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It’s quick loading and light on the features/options, but it has just what I need. No bloat. Was using Miren browser before but that became too bogged down with “updates” and “new features”.
Loving the site redesign guys…keep up the good work
Maxthon didn’t even get a mention… Pooh! It’s my number one browser, my daily driver.
To many to post in one article. LOL, I plan to do another one next week with 5 more. There are like 15+ in the market.
My favorite browser is Ninesky Browser:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.ninesky.browser
It’s quick loading and light on the features/options, but it has just what I need. No bloat. Was using Miren browser before but that became too bogged down with “updates” and “new features”.
I been using Maxthon as well, lovin it.. I used to use xscope, it looks like it has improved since, I will try it again.
What about Dolphin Browse? I’ve been using it for years, and love it!