Javelin browser for Android review: a promising newcomer
posted by Daniel P.
/ Apr 25, 2014, 9:08 AM
| Developer: Steven Goh | Download: Android (version 2.3.8) |
| Category: Productivity | Price: Free, with а $2.99 PRO upgrade, and in-app purchases |
Now off to the security features - besides the usual incognito mode, which doesn't save your history, and fights cookies away, Javelin offers browsing via a VPN proxy service, which is with an in-app purchase, and is optimized to keep your connection's speed intact. Your account access is used only one time when you fire Javelin up, so that the developer knows where to send a support email, if needed. Furthermore, the location access is disabled by default, though you can allow it in the browser's settings later. Location is used by Google Maps, News and many other services you might not want privy to your whereabouts.
All in all, the new Javelin browser on Android really impresses with the attention to detail put into its interface, settings options, and navigational gestures. Access to everything you might need the most is made to be real easy, and Javelin's performance, such as rendering pages, or scrolling, is on par with Android's finest, as you can see in the Chrome vs Javelin Browsermark scores below. When we add the focus on secure browsing, such as the incognito mode and VPN options, Javelin becomes one of the most promising newcomers on the Android browsing ring, while the developer keeps adding options, smoothing out the interface, and squashing bugs. We can wholeheartedly recommend that you take Javelin for a spin, and judge for yourself what an indie developer with determination can do, even when faced with a complex task, like building a brand new browsing app.
Pros
- Multi-pronged approach to secure browsing
- Clean interface with simple gesture navigation
- Fast VPN browsing option via an in-app purchase
- Handy reading mode
- Adobe Flash support
Cons
- A $2.99 PRO version needed to unleash the full potential
- Glitchy at times, and with small bugs
| Developer: Steven Goh | Download: Android (version 2.3.8) |
| Category: Productivity | Price: Free, with а $2.99 PRO upgrade, and in-app purchases |
New Javelin browser for Android is built with security and convenience in mind
17 Comments
1. XperiaFanZone
Posts: 2277; Member since: Sep 21, 2012
I like the UI of it.
posted on Apr 25, 2014, 9:10 AM 1
7. DEATHSTROKE9
Posts: 399; Member since: Nov 09, 2013
I like its* UI
posted on Apr 25, 2014, 11:44 AM 2
8. XperiaFanZone
Posts: 2277; Member since: Sep 21, 2012
It makes sense either way.
posted on Apr 25, 2014, 12:08 PM 3
10. Commentator
Posts: 3722; Member since: Aug 16, 2011
I like its UI.*
posted on Apr 25, 2014, 1:17 PM 1
2. smallworld
Posts: 517; Member since: Jul 13, 2012
I hate the 2 fingers swipe to switch tabs that a lot of browsers are adopting now because I mainly use my phone with one hand.
posted on Apr 25, 2014, 9:15 AM 0
4. VyktorJonas
Posts: 40; Member since: Mar 26, 2014
it's optional, you can still switch tabs by tapping them, there are plenty of gestures that are just there, you decide whether to make use of them or just ignore
posted on Apr 25, 2014, 9:20 AM 2
13. smallworld
Posts: 517; Member since: Jul 13, 2012
The best way is still the old chrome side swipe with one finger.
posted on Apr 25, 2014, 3:03 PM 1
3. VyktorJonas
Posts: 40; Member since: Mar 26, 2014
you guys forgot to mention is makes use of translucent bars while browsing, it's an awesome experience
I've been using this app since it lauched and I love it
posted on Apr 25, 2014, 9:19 AM 0
6. dratomic
Posts: 483; Member since: Oct 09, 2013
uc browser is fast. but its android ui is ugly compared to its windows' ui
posted on Apr 25, 2014, 11:12 AM 1
12. tech2
Posts: 3487; Member since: Oct 26, 2012
If android's UI is ugly then its your own fault because unlike other OSes android doesn't enforce its UI on customers. It lets you chose !
On the other hand, if you prefer large over sized fonts its completely upto you.
posted on Apr 25, 2014, 2:51 PM 1
14. dratomic
Posts: 483; Member since: Oct 09, 2013
stop right there buddy. i was comparing uc browsers' interface in two different platforms.
currently i have a galaxy s2 as my main phone. a note 3 for my pleasure. and vertu constellation quest. do you see any wp devices?!
posted on Apr 26, 2014, 2:28 PM 0
16. anleoflippy
Posts: 596; Member since: Jan 03, 2013
I think he meant to say that the UI in the Android version of UC browser is ugly compared to the UI in the Windows version of UC Browser. Not the general UI.
posted on Apr 27, 2014, 6:53 AM 0
11. 0xFFFF
Posts: 3806; Member since: Apr 16, 2014
No thanks. It's basically just a spyware app. From a Reddit user who received an email asking for feedback from the Javelin developer:
There is one thing that bothers me - why did I get your email? I never signed up for updates, was never told there will be any or never even had an option to opt out before starting to receive those. And what makes things even worse - I received your message to every email registered on my phone (As I understand - thanks to your "Find all accounts on device" permission).
I would've probably ignored those emails, as I do regularly with the promotions and such, but one of the accounts you emailed was my work email (Microsoft Exchange account). This was not an email associated with my Google Play account.
I understand that it's just an email, I understand that you might be just a developer and I get that there is an unsubscribe link at the bottom of each copy which I received. But the idea that you decided to broadcast your message to all of the emails which you collected from my device (personal and not) for the browser which supposed to be "for personal use" is a pretty questionable move on your part.
