Update to Samsung Internet Beta protects you from malicious websites

Samsung updated its Samsung Internet Beta app with some visual overhauls, improved performance on low-end devices, and other features. Most notably, the update introduces Protected Browsing, a handy tool for those browsing the web.

Protected Browsing cross-references a URL’s hash with an existing database of dangerous websites. If a website is a perfect match, the browser suggests you turn back to avoid having your information potentially stolen or malware potentially installed on your device. Not everything is perfect, however, so you still have the option to visit the site if you think the browser made a mistake.

Chrome users are familiar with the feature, but it shows that Samsung wants to take privacy seriously. In addition to password-protected private tabs, Samsung Internet includes DuckDuckGo as a default search option, built-in Tracking Blocker extension, and support for content blockers.

Speaking of which, Samsung Internet Beta includes a small change to how you can install content blockers. Those on Samsung devices could directly install content blockers from within the browser, but those on other Android devices were not so lucky. With the update, the browser provides a Play Store link to the content blocker you want installed.

Elsewhere, Samsung Internet Beta features a few visual overhauls. The URL bar now allows for website-specific ambient badges. For example, navigating to Starbucks presents an “Add to home screen” icon, while browsing BBC News presents a “Reader mode” badge. When you enter Reader mode, you will find that HTTPS and HTTP websites are now available.

Finally, Samsung Internet Beta detects if your device has 1 GB of RAM or less and condenses the tab switcher to make it more RAM-friendly.

The updated Samsung Internet Beta is rolling out on the Play Store, so do not fret if you do not see an update yet. You can download the browser at the link below if you want to see why we like it so much.