Has the World Gone Mad For the Chromium Build?
Web browsers have become software for online software. People rely on them to navigate the internet, from shopping at Amazon and Google to using Microsoft 365 for work and visiting websites and blogs.
However, the industry has yet to adopt a single browser; rather, many browsers that offer a “choice” rely on Chromium’s open-source codebase as its foundation. If you are not a fan of Google, then you might find this quite a nicely tied-up conspiracy.
The Rise of Chromium
Chromium is now the cornerstone of many internet browsers in the digital space, obviously, such as Chrome from Google. Other developers happily take Chromium’s source code and adapt it into individual browsers for themselves – such as Opera, Microsoft Edge, and Amazon Silk – often bearing their logo and brand.
The birth of Chromium can be traced back to Google’s ambitious endeavor to craft a fast, secure browser capable of handling the evolving web landscape of the late 2000s. (is it really still the mission? – asks my ram!) Chrome debuted in 2008 and was Google’s answer to this challenge. Built on the Chromium project, Chrome was presented as a lightweight alternative to existing browsers, promising faster load times, improved security, and a minimalist user interface.
The browser’s initial release was met with a warm reception, and it quickly started gaining traction among users and developers alike. The open-source nature of Chromium allowed it to be a collaborative platform, and the frequent updates and patches ensured it remained at the forefront of browser technology.
As Chromium’s reputation grew, its influence in the digital realm expanded. The open-source project allowed other companies to harness its strengths without starting from scratch. They could build upon Chromium’s solid foundation, tailoring it to their unique needs and audiences.
You can see from the many browsers we have listed that many of them now favor the Chromium build in their source code. To the detriment of code creativity, some argue. How will the web evolve if we all follow the same path?
While Chrome continues to dominate the browser market share, the rise of Chromium as an underlying force has become indisputable. The project demonstrates how collaborative, open-source endeavors can shape the trajectory of the digital industry, with its impact resonating beyond just Chrome and into the broader web ecosystem.
Why Developers Favor Chromium’s Source Code
Chromium’s open-source nature is the selling point that has enabled developers to tinker with its code to develop unique browsers such as Opera and Brave. However, Google’s dev team maintains Chrome, making it the browser that most people know well. Guess where the source code is hosted, though? Microsoft GitHub. Isn’t that irony at its best?
Chrome updates automatically with security patches as new vulnerabilities are discovered, while raw builds of Chromium don’t. Instead, users must download and install updates manually occasionally – leaving malicious actors plenty of opportunity to exploit any unpatched vulnerabilities within its code.
Microsoft’s announcement that Edge would be built upon Chromium was an incredible show of its support for open-source communities and its understanding that browsers must work together for the internet’s continued advancement. By adopting Chromium, Edge leverages all the same innovations found in other browsers with cool features such as CSS Grids, Exclusions, and the HTML Imports specification.
Chromium also allows browser users to use Chrome extensions and other popular features not available elsewhere, including watching videos requiring licensed media codecs like AAC and H264. This is an encouraging change from how Internet Explorer used to lock out competitors by creating proprietary engine-based browsers with exclusivity clauses.
Though some developers may view this move cautiously due to fears it may lead to single browser dominance, Microsoft agrees it makes sense to move towards unifying Edge with other web browsers. The company has already begun contributing to the Chromium project with hundreds of merges accumulated compared to how they once behaved, allowing Microsoft to influence the web’s future positively.
If you are feeling technical-minded, you can download and edit the source, and maybe one day, we’ll see you on our browser featured list.
The Most Prominent Browsers Built on Chromium
In the vast landscape of web browsers, several have chosen to build upon the open-source foundation provided by Chromium. The transparency and flexibility of Chromium’s code have garnered the trust of developers, enabling them to pinpoint and address security vulnerabilities, resulting in enhanced web experiences for all.
Here’s a list of prominent browsers that have adopted the Chromium engine:
Opera A veteran in the browser game, Opera’s shift to Chromium paved the way for innovative features like a built-in VPN and ad-blocker.
Brave: Prioritizing user privacy, Brave introduces a unique advertising model, rewarding users with cryptocurrency-backed payments.
Vivaldi: Tailored for power users, Vivaldi offers a high level of customization and features inspired by the defunct Opera Presto.
Blisk: Designed for developers, it offers tools to test different devices and view website responsiveness.
Avast Secure Browser: Developed by the cybersecurity company Avast, this browser emphasizes privacy and security features, including built-in ad blockers and anti-phishing tools.
Epic Privacy Browser: Tailored to those who value online privacy, Epic has a built-in proxy to hide users’ IP addresses and always operates in private browsing mode, automatically deleting all session data upon closing.
While the widespread adoption of Chromium ensures a cohesive browsing experience, it’s essential to be vigilant. Unlike some proprietary browsers, Chromium requires manual updates, which can pose security risks if neglected. However, the constant stream of community-driven updates ensures that any arising issues are promptly addressed.
Chromium’s Influence on Browser Security
Chromium’s impact on the industry cannot be denied; as the foundation for many browsers based on it, such as Chrome and Microsoft Edge, its influence cannot be undermined. Unfortunately, with this influence comes security vulnerabilities that could compromise users. These security risks often impact prominent browsers based on Chromium, especially Chrome since its popularity for hacking has continued to rise.
Chromium-based browsers have recently been attacked by cybercriminals who may use a newly discovered security flaw known as SymStealer to steal files from computers running it. It exploits file system vulnerabilities, allowing an attacker to bypass program restrictions and operate on files outside their scope; such attacks are made possible when someone gains unauthorized access to your device and possesses sufficient technical know-how to disassemble it.
To protect yourself against these threats, always keep your browser updated. Chromium website regularly uploads updates that could save your browser vulnerable to attacks; installing the latest patch can immediately restore it to a clean state. In addition, installing extensions that enhance security and privacy settings, such as stopping websites from tracking your online activity or third-party cookies, could further strengthen protections online.
I avoid all plugins in my Chrome browser, and the only extensions I use are on my Firefox browser, which thankfully has taken a different route, and isn’t based on the Chromium build.
The Future of Chromium-Based Browsers
Chrome and Chromium’s popularity gives other browsers an edge, as their engine can be leveraged to build unique web browsing experiences. Furthermore, this allows engineers to develop innovative new browser ideas more readily – leading to greater diversity and competition on the market than monocultures alone.
Opera and Microsoft Edge are among the major browsers that have chosen to build upon the Chromium foundation. Opera transitioned to Chromium years ago, leveraging its capabilities for a smoother browsing experience. In a significant shift, Microsoft Edge abandoned its proprietary EdgeHTML rendering engine. Instead, it adopted the Chromium base, incorporating V8 for JavaScript and Blink for rendering. Microsoft’s move is a strategic effort to regain traction in the browser market and stimulate innovative competition.
Be mindful that Chromium browsers do not automatically update themselves like Chrome, requiring users to download updates manually to stay up-to-date with security patches. While this may seem like a minor factor, it should still be taken into consideration when choosing your browser.
Chromium is an invaluable piece of software for developers, user interface designers, and everyday internet users alike. It provides a robust foundation upon which browsers can build while giving consumers a choice between Google Chrome and other Chromium browsers to find one which best meets their needs without sacrificing features they enjoy. As you can learn from this site, however, there are several solutions if you would rather avoid the technology of Google. The sphere is only widening as more and more people are becoming concerned with Google’s intentions for controlling different aspects of the web according to their agenda.