DuckDuckGo announced about the launch of open beta testing of the confidential browser for computers under macOS. The desktop browser gets the tools already present in the mobile version, including the DuckDuckGo search bar, tracking protection, blocking pop-up windows with cookie notifications, and the ability to clear data in one touch.
Image Source: duckduckgo.com
Since its pre-announcement last April, the browser has received several new components, including the Duck Player, which, according to the developer, neutralizes YouTube’s tracking tools: all ads shown on the platform become non-personalized, and all content viewed is not taken into account in the user’s profile.
After collecting feedback during the closed testing phase, the developer added the ability to pin tabs and updated the bookmarks bar. Cookie pop-up notifications are blocked on about 50% of sites – the browser automatically selects the most confidential options whenever possible and generally saves the user from these annoying messages. There’s also an email security feature to help disable trackers in incoming email. The work of the tracking ad blocker has been optimized: along with the actual ads, the space allocated for them is now removed from the page.
DuckDuckGo for macOS is built on the WebKit engine that Safari uses. According to the developer, the browser consumes “about 60% less data” than Chrome. Transfer of bookmarks and passwords from other browsers is supported, integration with the Bitwarden password manager is provided – it can be activated in the settings in the coming weeks. 1Password autofill is supported.
A version of the DuckDuckGo browser for Windows is still in development, with closed beta testing expected to launch “in the coming months”.
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