Following on the lines of its biggest competitor Apple, Samsung now allows the installation of ad-blocker extensions on its default web browser running on Android OS. The move by Samsung mimics Apple’s decision to allow the installation of ad-blockers extensions on its Safari web browser last September.
The new update for Samsung’s default web browser will allow users to add ad-blockers as extensions but will not come in-built. Samsung has released an API through, which developers have to build extensions for its web browser running on Android Lollipop and above. This move is an attempt from Samsung to encourage the uses to surf the net through its default web browser.
Those using Android Marshmallow can start using the update as it rolls out today, but, for the users who have already jumped to Android Lollipop, a few months of wait is in store.
When Apple allowed its users to install ad-blockers on its Safari web browser running on iOS 9, a few ad-blockers made their way to the top app’s on App Store. But a few months down the line, the apps fell from the rankings.
The over the air update by Samsung works similar to the API launched by Apple last year. Using this API, developers can build ad-blockers that can be used on Samsung’s default web browser by users. The API, though launched for Android, does not work on Chrome, and will only be supported by Samsung;s default web browser. The Adblock Fast, happens to be the first extension that has been developed using this API. The developers claim that using the app, users will be able to see a marked difference of 51 faster load times. The other, and the second extension is Crystal, both of which are already available on Samsung phones.
The ad-blocker extension, used more popularly on desktop web browsers are known to reduce page load times and improve performance. More importantly they cut down on the unwanted ads and can even prolong battery life and save mobile data.
