Samsung has opened its Internet browser to all Android phones using Android 5.0 and above.
The application, which was previously available only to Samsung gadgets as well as Google's Nexus and Pixel devices, can now be accessed by any Android user operating on the more current versions.
Samsung Internet has also been upgraded to version 6.2, a much more secure and versatile browser.
The upgraded version now sports a night mode for those who can't keep away from their gadgets before bedtime or those who simply enjoy browsing in low-light settings. The night mode reduces the amount of bright light from the phone, helping reduce eye strain, especially when the user is winding down after a long day. To try it out, select "Turn on Night Mode" on the menu.
The high contrast mode, on the other hand, could be very helpful to visually impaired users. It transforms the background into black and the text into white, minimizing the phone light. This could definitely make reading more accessible to some. To activate, go to Settings > Accessibility, then choose High Contrast mode.
The highlight of the 6.2 update, however, is the addition of the Tracking Blocker, powered by Disconnect Inc. Websites often have trackers that log a user's activity across the web. These are mainly used for advertising purposes, yet some can be malicious.
With this new built-in extension, users can be sure that all their activities remain private. Removing these trackers can also speed up browsing activity. This feature is automatically activated when on Secret Mode. For regular browsing, simply toggle on the tracking browser.
This new move from Samsung comes over a month after Apple restricted ad tracking on all mobile and desktop versions of Safari.
Other improvements found in Samsung Internet v6.2 include bookmarks syncing from other browsers and devices, as well as a Chromium engine upgrade to M56.
The Samsung Internet app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Galaxy Apps Store.
