Dolphin Browser
 | This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (December 2017) |
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 Screenshot of Dolphin Browser on an iPhone 7 | |
| Developer(s) | MoboTap Inc. (subsidiary of Changyou.com Limited)[1][2] |
|---|---|
| Stable release(s) [±] | |
10.0.6 (November 24, 2020[3])
| |
| Engine | Dual engines with Webkit and Dolphin Jetpack (based on Webkit) |
| Operating system | Android, iOS |
| Type | Mobile browser |
| License | Proprietary Freeware |
| Website | dolphin |
Dolphin Browser is a web browser for the Android and iOS operating systems developed by MoboTap. It was one of the first alternative browsers for the Android platform[5] that introduced support for multi-touch gestures.[6] Dolphin Browser uses its native platform's default browser engine.
Features[edit]
- Tabbed browsing – users can open and switch between web pages with multiple tabs either at the top of the screen[5] or as thumbnail buttons at the bottom.
- Dolphin Sonar – users can use voice to search, share and navigate.
- Gesture browsing – users can draw characters to call websites. Users can use preloaded gestures for popular websites or create custom gestures as needed.[5]
- Sync – across devices and desktop browsers using Firefox or Chrome extension.
- Webzine – displays web content in a magazine-style format, serving content from over 300 sources, and caching content to be available offline.[5]
Versions[edit]
Both iOS and Android versions are proprietary software and are distributed for free.[5] There is an advanced version called Dolphin Browser for Android 2.0 or later.[7][8] Dolphin Browser Beta[9] was released in May 2012 with the in-house HTML5 engine Jetpack. In December 2013, Dolphin Zero, a privacy-focused version, was released.
Privacy concerns[edit]
In October 2011, privacy concerns were raised about Dolphin browser after it was discovered that all URLs loaded in Dolphin HD were being relayed as plain text to a remote server,[10] a process described by Ars Technica as "an unambiguous breach of privacy".[11] This breach was patched in the next update.[12]
Reception[edit]
Since its initial release for Android, Dolphin has received generally positive reviews.[13] The Android and iOS versions have been lauded for their gesture-based functionality, speed and ease-of-use.[14] Business Insider claims "Dolphin Browser blows Safari out of the water."[15] As of December 2021, the browser holds an approval rate of 78% on rating aggregator site Rouvou.[16]
The app was named one of PC Magazine's Best Free iPhone and iPad Apps of 2011,[17] was a PC Magazine Editors Choice in 2012,[18] and was named to the CNet 100 in 2011.[19]
References[edit]
- ^ "Chinese startup behind Dolphin mobile browser sells 51% stake for $91 million". Tech in Asia. 2014-07-17. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
- ^ "Changyou to Invest in MoboTap" (Press release). Changyou. 2014-07-16. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
- ^ "Apple on the App Store". iTunes Store. 2020-11-24. Retrieved 2021-04-04.
- ^ "Dolphin Browser - Fast, Private & Adblock🐬". Google Play Store. 2021-08-12. Retrieved 2021-11-30.
- ^ a b c d e Jessica Dolcourt. "Dolphin Browser for Android". CNET.
- ^ Chris Ziegler. "Dolphin browser for Android adds multitouch support on Droid". Engadget. AOL Inc. Archived from the original on 2011-06-16. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
- ^ Hopkins, Brent W. "Dolphin Browser™ HD Review". PC World.
- ^ Tofel, Kevin C. "8 Reasons Android Owners Should Try Dolphin Browser". Gigaom.
- ^ James; MoboTap (2016-06-08), Dolphin Browser One of Best Performing HTML5 Mobile Browser, AndroidApks.Net, archived from the original on 2016-08-05, retrieved 2016-07-24
- ^ McCullagh, Declan. "Dolphin HD browser snared in security breach". CNET. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
- ^ Paul, Ryan. "Major privacy flaw found in Dolphin HD browser for Android". Ars Technica. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
- ^ "Webzine Does Not Store User Data". Dolphin Browser Blog. Retrieved November 29, 2011.
- ^ Mark Saltzman (September 12, 2011). "Dolphin Browser, Surf Web with gestures". USA Today.
- ^ Adam Dachis. "Dolphin Browser Brings Its Gesture-Based Web Browsing to the iPhone". Lifehacker. Gawker Media.
- ^ "This New iPad Browser From Dolphin Blows Safari Out Of The Water". Business Insider.
- ^ "Dolphin (browser)". Rouvou. Retrieved 2021-12-12.
- ^ "Best free iPhone and iPad apps of 2011". PC World.
- ^ "PC Magazine's Editors' Choice". PCMag.
- ^ "CNet 100". CNET.com. Archived from the original on 2013-02-16. Retrieved 2012-02-01.
