Zoho launches Ulaa, a web browser with specialized browsing modes
Zoho has launched Ulaa, a new web browser that it claims is private, secure and "superfast". Ulaa is available for all major desktop and mobile operating systems. Interested users may download it from the official website or from the iOS and Android mobile stores.
Ulaa, according to Zoho, is a browser that "respects your privacy, protects your personal data, and is designed to upgrade the way you work online".
At its core, Ulaa is a Chromium-based web browser. This puts it in direct competition with other Chromium-based browsers that promise privacy, security and improved usability.
The interface of Ulaa browser resembles that of other Chromium-based browsers. It has a tab bar at the top and below that the main toolbar with the address bar, navigation buttons, main menu link, extension icons and other icons of importance.
Since it is based on Chromium, it delivers excellent results in the web compatibility and performance department.
First-time users may notice that the browser has a built-in ad-blocker, called Ulaa Adblocker, which is enabled by default. Speaking of privacy and security, Zoho has implemented several features in the browser or turned off features, that it considers problematic in this regard.
Zoho promises that it will never sell user data or engage in "any form of tracking or surveillance".
The company has a 24 hours security patch policy, promising that it will release security patches within 24 hours. The browser is configured to update automatically, includes the aforementioned content blocker, which also takes care of crypto miners, malicious websites, tracking, annoyances and adware.
Zoho engineers have added functionality to the browser that resets unique identifiers, like the browser ID, each time the browser is opened. Users may provide the company with anonymized statistics, but the feature is toggled off by default.
Ulaa browser modes
Probably the most unique feature of Ulaa browser is its browser modes feature. The web browser supports five different modes that users may switch between. The modes, work mode, developer mode, personal mode, kids mode and open season mode, optimize the browsing experience for certain tasks.
Work mode, for instance, boosts productivity by staying focused and blocking distracting ads and popups. Developer mode is designed for professional web developers and testers, according to Zoho. It displays a list of extension suggestions on start, which users may install. The list includes a JSON and VSS Viewer, Visbug, and several more.
There is also Kids mode, which requires that parents set a password, so that their loved ones can't just switch to another mode while they use the browser. Top sites differ depending on the selected modes.
The different modes are an interesting feature, but it might not go far enough for some of its users. Work mode, for instance, should not display links to YouTube or Facebook by default. The mode could also suggest that users install an extension to block distracting websites, or other extensions that might benefit productivity.
Ulaa browser integrates with Zoho, which includes support of Zoho's authentication system. Existing users may sign-in to their accounts to sign-in to Zoho apps automatically when they use the browser. Ulaa may sync data across devices.
Closing Words
Ulaa is the second privacy-focused browser that launched in the past couple of weeks. VPN provider Mullvad launched its Mullvad Browser, based on Tor Browser, which itself is based on Firefox. Both browsers have to prove themselves, which includes deeper inspection of the claims.
Now You: have you tried Ulaa?
Tom Morosky at SwitchedToLinux did a review of this browser today, and his conclusion is that it is NOT a “privacy” browser, and in fact seems to be trying to collect user data: https://odysee.com/@switchedtolinux:0/ulaa-the-privacy-browser-that-wasn't:a
I decided yesterday when I read this article by Martin that I was not going to let this browser touch my system, and I think I’ll stay with that plan.
Another chromium based browser no one needs.
Thats a hard pass, no chrome based bs will be installed on my system…………..
What I always find disconcerting is the eternal “respects your privacy, protects your personal data”. Obviously some developers lie deliberately, but which ones? They could at least personalize their promises, wouldn’t make them more reliable but at least would prove some sort of respect. I remember a teacher telling us “If you lie at least do it sufficiently well to not add to the lie the idea you believe I’m stupid”. Lying with style is a form of respect.
Another Chrome clone, indeed.
Is it compatible with Windows 7 ?
What do you think! “Chromium based” lul
Who (tf) is Zoho?
Zoho has been around since the early days of Gmail. Their first product was Zoho Office. They offer many others at this point including remote access to your computer. Everything they offer is web based hence the idea of offering a special browser seems to fit. As to how good it is only time will tell. Still it is good to see companies trying to fill the need for privacy.
>> who is Zoho
Ever hear of Google? Bing? DuckDuckGo? Startpage? Well, all of them can provide the answer to your question.
Amazing what technology can do these days.
Acording to ULAA web site a browser sign in account required to have the least amount of data collecting. Even signed in you cannot fully disable data collection.
Just anoter Chrome clone.
After reading the Blog, FAQ, and other information on their website not convinced.
still better than chrome, which consumed 1/4 of RAM even after closing it. definitely switching to Ulaa
Another Chorme clone. lol
No, its clone of chromium. understand the difference
What browser do you prefer?