Chromium-based web browser
Baidu Browser is a free internet browser for devices running Windows 7 and above. Formerly known as Baidu Spark Browser, the web-based program runs on the Chromium platform. It’s fast, lightweight, and has a customizable interface. The intuitive web browser also comes with a variety of unique features, including gesture control, built-in media download and torrent client, and video pop-up player, among others. The browser comes revamped with security features and is also available to Android users.
Lightweight, fast, and secure
Leaving behind its privacy concerns, the latest version of Baidu comes with various features, a changeable and attractive UI, as well as revamped security. Based on Chromium, the software is easy to download, lightweight, and fast. One of the reasons behind its growing popularity is the increase in the number of interesting features that it has to offer.
Users have the option to capture screenshots, download media files, easily integrate with social media sites like Facebook, and do a lot more. Moreover, Baidu’s intuitive interface offers many capabilities missing in other web browsers. It comes equipped with an in-built virus scanner, torrent downloader and ads blocker, which make browsing and downloading, a fast and seamless experience.
Offers a familiar and customizable interface
Baidu Browser is powered by Chromium, the same engine used by Google Chrome. Therefore, anyone who has used Chrome will find the browser very familiar. It has a similar interface with a prominent central search box, a sidebar and a multi-purpose omnibar. Users can get rid of the sidebar with a single click, or explore other browser features like tools, bookmarks, history, and incognito mode.
The top of the interface consists of a set of in-built tools like video download and screenshot capture, that set Baidu Spark apart from other web browsers. Moreover, it also gives users the option to change the colour of the browser. All you need to do is choose from a set of skins to give the browser a more youthful appearance. The button to change skins is conveniently located beside the new tab bar.
Control the web browser using gestures
While Baidu Browser offers all the features that you expect from a standard web browser, it does offer some intuitive add-ons that set it apart. One such feature is gesture control, which allows users to carry out different operations by only swiping the mouse or right-clicking.
Though it may not seem like much, it does save time when you’re browsing. Once you pass the learning curve, using different functions becomes very easy. You can open a new tab, go forward or back, refresh the page, and complete a dozen operations by swishing the mouse right and left.
Directly download torrents from the browser
If you regularly download torrents, you'll appreciate the simplicity of this integrated feature. Baidu Spark Browser comes with an in-built Torrent Software, so users never have to download a separate torrent downloader tool. All you need to do is find the file you want, and download the torrent directly from the Baidu Browser. The download tool is also strategically placed at the top of the browser.
Capture screenshots or clips from the web
Baidu Browser is an excellent tool for researchers and designers, as it allows them to capture screenshots of web pages. You can easily download specific sections or entire web pages - even those sections that don’t fit on the page. You can share these images with people directly from the browser or annotate them before downloading.
Furthermore, the browser also has a built-in Media Downloader, which allows users to easily download audio or video clips from the web, directly onto their computer. Using the integrated downloader is pretty simple and can be done with a few clicks.
Experience a range of additional features
Apart from all the features mentioned above, Baidu Browser comes with a range of additional functions. It has a handy Mute All Tabs option, to stop all unwanted auto-play audio, along with a button to restore all closed tabs, an essential feature if you’re prone to closing tabs accidentally. You can easily open videos and images in another tab by dragging and dropping them in the New Tab bar.
The web browsing software also comes with a Pop-up button, which opens web videos in another window. By separating pop-up videos from other pages, Baidu makes it easier for users to land on what they were watching, without having to go look for it in different tabs or windows. Furthermore, if users experience a browsing issue, the built-in Browser Doctor quickly diagnoses and provides a solution.
In case you decide to switch to Baidu Browser, you can easily use the account syncing functionality. You can log in using your Google account and automatically transfer your history, plugins, bookmarks, and other settings. Once you log out, the browser reverts to its original settings.
Is the Baidu Browser secure?
The Baidu Spark internet browser comes with a built-in virus scanner, which prevents users from visiting harmful websites or downloading malicious data. Moreover, it prevents online programs from changing any privacy and security settings. Apart from scanning viruses, Baidu also comes with Adware Block, which blocks all ads and consequently increases browsing speed.
Are there any alternatives?
While Baidu Browser comes equipped with intuitive features, it does have serious competition. In case you want to check out alternatives, you could try Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera.
Should I download Baidu Browser?
Yes, Baidu Browser is a fast and efficient web browser that offers various features that aren’t available in other internet browsers. It’s a free download and a great alternative to Google Chrome. Baidu comes integrated with social media websites, and also offers an in-built torrents downloader, ad-blocker, and virus scanner.
Additionally, you can customize the interface by changing its colour, use mouse gestures to navigate the browser, or download audio and video files from across the web, instantly. The Chromium-based browser is extremely fast, maintains privacy, and offers various functionalities - all of these combined, make Baidu worth trying!