Android's Kiwi Browser will follow Chromium releases more closely soon

[harlan4096]

Kiwi Browser is a third-party Chromium-based web browser for Google's Android operating system that packs a lot of features. Probably the most noteworthy is the browser's support for Chrome extensions; while not all extensions will install on Android, it is one of the few browsers that is based on Chromium that supports extensions on Android.

Kiwi browser comes with an integrated ad-blocker and some other features, but it is extensions support that may appeal the most to users.

The browser is developed by a single developer, and this meant in the past that releases were infrequent. Considering that hundreds of developers are working on major browsers for Android, Chrome, Edge, Vivaldi, Opera or Brave, it is clear that Kiwi development is at a disadvantage in this regard.

With Chromium moving from a 6-week to a 4-week release cycle, things could get even worse in the future.
 
The developer of Kiwi Browser has been working on Kiwi Next for some time now to address the issue and make Kiwi Browser follow Chromium releases closely.

Kiwi Next uses automation tools and scripting to keep up with Chromium's 4-week release cycle.

Chromium releases may include new features or changes, but they include security updates and bug fixes usually. Getting these quicker to the Kiwi Browser population improves the security of users, improves stability of the browser, and will improve compatibility on the Web as well.

Previews of Kiwi Next are available, but most Kiwi Browser users and those interested in the mobile browser, may check out the latest version of the current release. A recent update has updated it to the Chromium 93 base, introducing security and stability updates, as well as other changes regarding stability and compatibility.

Users who have used the vertical tab switcher in the past can't use it anymore in the new version as it has been removed entirely. An alternative has been added to the Settings by the developer of Kiwi Browser.

Closing Words

It is almost impossible for a single-browser project to follow a 6-week release cycle. The change to a 4-week release cycle puts even more pressure on developers, considering that security updates, stability fixes and other bug fixes are part of these updates.

The Kiwi Browser developer plans to use automation to speed up development. If this works out, Kiwi Browser will see more frequent releases, which will make it more secure, stable and compatible. Add the extra features, especially extensions support, and you could see the browser reach new heights in the coming years.

Now You: have you tried Kiwi Browser in the past?
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