The Brave browser is a dark horse. Even “yesterday” they did not know about him at all. But, according to statistics, in 2021 it was downloaded to mobile devices twice as often as in 2020. Curiously, the same Chrome dropped in downloads, as did Firefox along with Edge. Apparently, Brave has some interesting features that attract new users. With this in mind, I installed the versions of the application for iPhone and Mac. I found a dozen interesting features that I personally don’t really need in a browser. However, some may still need them, so I’ll tell you briefly about each.
Security, privacy, tracker protection
Today, all this is becoming more relevant than ever before.
The main feature of the Brave browser is maximum security for the user. It seems that the application was created specifically for those who are especially concerned about the privacy of their own data – for anyone who fears that personal information may fall into the wrong hands. Actually, for security management in mobile Brave there is a separate section “Brave Shield and privacy”. From here, you can block cross-site trackers, enable forced opening of resources via HTTPS instead of HTTP, enable blocking of phishing and potentially dangerous scripts. In general, there are more than enough chips for protection – it remains to activate the necessary ones.
Reliable VPN for privacy and financial transactions
Finding a really reliable VPN is not easy today
The VPN built into the browser deserves special attention. It’s a shame it is far from free. If you pay monthly with iPhone, it will cost 749 rubles, and the annual plan costs 7,590 rubles. For this money, the Brave developers promise speeds up to 100 Mb / s, a secure encrypted tunnel without selling personal data, location selection and complete network anonymity. Anonymous VPN services abound right now, but it’s not entirely clear what exactly they do with user data they pass through. Therefore, the question of having a high-quality paid VPN for some is quite acute.
The browser has a built-in Tor anonymous Internet protocol
Thanks to him, everyone will have another way to protect their personal data.
There is no such feature on a smartphone, but the desktop version of Brave, among other things, provides the ability to connect via the Tor protocol. It automatically redirects information through multiple servers to maximize the protection of user data and hide his IP address. Not everyone is good with Tor for a number of reasons. Most often there are questions along the way of information. However, specifically, I am most confused by the rather heavily cut data transfer rate. Nevertheless, I myself know quite a few people who are willing to sacrifice speed and comfort for the sake of privacy. Such people usually use the search engine DuckDuckGo, and here it is also integrated.
Videos can be saved to mobile gadgets offline
It will turn out to collect a media library for trips without the Internet
Brave allows you to download videos from the Internet for offline viewing. This can be useful for situations where access to the network is limited: during intercity traffic in a car or bus, in nature or on the beach, on an airplane or other transport. The browser can not only download videos – it also creates playlists from them for sequential playback one after another. It can be cartoons for children, episodes of TV series, films and short films, as well as much more to the user’s taste. There is also a convenient interface for controlling the playback of multimedia content.
Browser closes via biometric authentication
You will have to use a fingerprint or face scan to enter
To protect your information inside the application, the entrance to it on the mobile device will be blocked. It will help out great if the gadget accidentally ends up in the hands of an ill-wisher. For example, on the iPhone, the entrance to Brave will be closed via Touch ID or Face ID. This will help to hide your browsing history for various resources on the Internet, as well as prevent anyone from viewing the current tabs. A useful trick even for curious relatives who decided to spy on what exactly you Google and with whom you communicate. It is a pity that other browsers do not have such an option, and it is not always possible to implement it using third-party software.
Built-in crypto wallet in the desktop version of the browser
Great option for crypto traders as well as miners
The mobile version of the browser does not have this, but the desktop version has a built-in cryptocurrency wallet with support for DApps Web3 and DeFi. The developers insist that this feature is really important for those who are involved in mining, as well as for traders. By default, access to the wallet opens after clicking on the corresponding icon to the right of the address bar. However, if there is absolutely no need for it, the shortcut can be hidden through the parameters section of the crypto wallet in the settings of the application itself. By the way, access to the menu with electronic currency can be protected with a password, so there is no need to worry about its safety.
On desktop, the browser integrates with Chrome extensions
There is no own extension store, but there is Google
For those who are used to using Google Chrome with its many extensions for all occasions, the Brave developers have prepared a pleasant surprise – full integration with the search giant’s add-ons. Using a special API, the browser is authenticated within the extension store and can use any of them. Curiously, Brave also supports themes for its interface from Google Chrome. Considering that there are a great many of them, even the most demanding user will be able to choose something to his taste.
Built-in ad and social media blocker
A great option for those who do not want to see all this
Another feature of Brave is blocking ads and social media widgets. In the browser settings, you can choose the degree of protection methods against all this. There is both a light mode and a balanced blocking method, as well as an aggressive option that literally covers everything possible. Of course, you should understand that in many cases, an attempt to get rid of ads will make it impossible to use a certain resource on the Internet. Moreover, as personal experience has shown, the tools built into Brave do not block all affiliate offers, so you shouldn’t make them absolute.
There is the possibility of a modest income by watching ads
It can also be submitted for developer support
It’s important to understand exactly how the Brave developers are monetizing their work. They offer the user to close themselves from all possible trackers – including massive advertising ones. Instead, the developers advise to watch specially selected partner offers and receive a small reward for this, which will be piled up in Brave’s internal cryptocurrency and stored in the built-in crypto wallet. Part of the earnings will be donated to the needs of developers, as well as other community resources. In general, it may be a trifle, but some will appreciate it.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
