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Helium Browser

helium.computer

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Re: Helium Browser

#271

Post by gregorvand »

godelski wrote: post #124

> Helium is based on Chromium > Best privacy by default Sorry, pass... Even with un-googled Chromium I do not think these statements are self-consistent. We need browsers that do not allow Google to control the ecosystem. We need legitimate competition. So what, our choices are Firefox (Gecko), Safari (WebKit), and Ladybird? Personally I go with Firefox on most devices and Orion (WebKit) on my iPhone and iPad. > Heli…

Pass, sure, but vs what currently?

Helium does not have to be the destination. But it is a good step when Chromium is the standard (try using Safari and quickly websites seem uncharacteristically janky)

Re: Helium Browser

#272

Post by dijit »

anang wrote: post #263
Calavar wrote: post #206

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Chrome is an excellent browser with leading standards support. Google learned it can be "standards compliant" if it submits a draft spec to WHATWG/W3C, and while the comment and revision process is still ongoing, roll out those features in Chrome and start using them in YouTube, Gmail, Google docs, and AMP. Now Firefox and Safari are forced to implement those draft specs as well or users will leave in droves becaus…

I don't mean this to doubt you, it is a sincere question. Do you have any examples of that happening? It sounds very believable, but it would be great to have actual sources for future reference.

push notifications, webgpu and webusb are examples of chrome being a reference implementation and using things for their services while simultaneously pushing the standard.

Push for mail, webgpu for maps (iirc) and I believe WebUSB is used for Android flash/debug.

Re: Helium Browser

#274

Post by pparanoidd »

jitl wrote: post #49

This is neat, and reminds me of Kagi's browser Orion, since their hero image features Kagi search. Orion is WebKit based, so it uses less battery and feels faster to me compared to Chromium browsers, yet it largely supports Chrome extensions via a compatibility layer; like Helium uBlock Origin is included by default. It also has vertical tabs which is essential for me, and open-url routing between profiles. However,…

Would use it 100% if it was open source, such a solvable dealbreaker.

Zen browser is eating their lunch at the moment.

Re: Helium Browser

#275

Post by mrweasel »

ulrikrasmussen wrote: post #107

Can someone explain to me why most browser forks are based on Chromium? If the goal is to make a privacy focused browser which is independent of Google, isn't it then a bit counterproductive to put all your eggs in a basket which only exists due to the goodwill of your main competitor? Why not webkit or Gecko? There might be a good argument for it, but as a person concerned with privacy and the future freedom of the…

I believe that Gecko is notoriously hard to maintain and integrate into other software. It's not something I've attempted myself so take it for what it is. It was one of the issues Servo was suppose to address.

There is a few browsers based on WebKit, so that seems doable.

Re: Helium Browser

#276

Post by al_borland »

fahimscirex wrote: post #183
digitalPhonix wrote: post #113

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sure but I only use Firefox (no other browser installed (except Edge on Windows)) and I don’t have any issues; so some none-trivial portion of the web doesn’t require Chrom(ium) specific behaviour.

Google websites intentionally degrade performance if you browse from Firefox. Facebook Messenger's E2E only works on chromium browsers. There are many websites that show popups to use chromium for the best experience. I do get it, these aren't privacy-friendly websites, but for professional purposes, lot of people are forced to use chromium browsers or user-agent strings.

> Google websites intentionally degrade performance if you browse from Firefox.

If this is true they should be in court for these anti-competitive practices.

Re: Helium Browser

#277

Post by maleldil »

FinnKuhn wrote: post #35
DauntingPear7 wrote: post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Probably Zen, as Arc is dead

Pretty sure both Firefox and Microsoft Edge both offer it as an option too.

Firefox's new implementation is subpar. You're better off using an add-on like Sidebery for more features, but you need custom user chrome CSS to hide the horizontal tabs.

Re: Helium Browser

#278

Post by al_borland »

asimovDev wrote: post #175
barbazoo wrote: post #20

I just can't go back to horizontal tabs anymore.

i can't wait for Safari to add proper horizontal tabs. There's a sidebar with tabs but you still have compact tabs taking up precious vertical space

They didn’t really take up any space in Sequoia, but Tahoe brought them back. I guess people didn’t like how Sequoia was doing things.

I find the Tahoe tab bar pretty ugly.

Re: Helium Browser

#280

Post by al_borland »

_def wrote: post #55
barbazoo wrote: post #20

I just can't go back to horizontal tabs anymore.

vertical tabs never really worked for me. What would you say are the biggest benefits for you?

I still use horizontal tabs, but have dabbled with vertical tabs. The biggest benefit I saw was that tab names stayed a consistent width and readable, no matter now many tabs I had open. With horizontal tabs, once you have over 10-15, you’re kind of flying blind.
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