Dolphin Browser - App Review

Your iOS device comes with Safari, a perfectly adequate browser; Dolphin is also a browser but has some brilliant ways of dealing with things that you either do, or wish you could do, every day.

From a personal point of view, if you use Evernote (see http://blog.munificus.com/2012/08/evernote-app-review.html if you don't already; I'm a fan), of if you like using gestures then, you need to be looking at this App.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
In many ways, there's nothing exciting about an Internet browser; it's the content that you are surfing for that is of interest. This also means that anything that enables you to concentrate more on the content is a boon to your productivity and enjoyment.

This review concentrates on those items that really differentiate Dolphin from the built-in Safari browser App.

There are many more (easily adjusted) user preference settings, such as:

How tabs are displayed

Automatically showing in full screen mode

Font size

Default search engine (Google, Yahoo, Bing, Wikipedia, DuckDuckGo)

Choose whether new tabs open in the current or a new tab (this is selected in Safari by keeping a link opened and then choosing)

Privacy options (save passwords, pop-up blocker, privacy mode)

The home screen provides direct links to various sites in a very neat, pictorial manner.

For my money (yes, the App is free anyway), there are two features that make Dolphin an outstanding App:

Firstly, as previously mentioned, I am a fan of Evernote, which among other things, allows you to clip items from the Internet for later review (on any device). This is a simple pick in Dolphin, and the page is instantly clipped to your Evernote account; superb.

Secondly, you can go directly to a site, or carry out any action, by simply drawing with your finger on the screen. This might not sound like much but, it sure beats using the iOS keyboard to access your bookmarks. All you need do is assign your gesture(s) to any action of website; there are a number of examples set up for you to get started with.

Another of the unique features of Dolphin is the ability to be controlled by voice. This involves the downloading of Dolphin Sonar (a low cost App) but, is not included in this review.

Cost
The App is absolutely free.

Indispensability
A browser is indispensable; if the superb details in Dolphin appeal to you then, the conclusion should be obvious.

Dependability
The App works flawlessly, excepted perhaps if you cannot duplicate your own gesture, although the interface is very forgiving.

Security
At the end of the day, Dolphin is an Internet browser, so the security issues are identical to the use of any browser and the inputting of private information.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Surf with the Dolphin.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

                                                         

You can get Dolphin Browser here and support for the App here.