Top 3 Key Points:
- Safari introduces “Distraction Control” to hide annoying popups.
- Samsung Internet Beta adds search-in settings and end-to-end encryption (E2EE).
- Samsung removes scrollbar customization in the latest beta update.
Apple’s Safari Gets Distraction Control
Browsing the web can be annoying with constant popups asking for cookie permissions or newsletter signups. These popups take up space and block the content you want to see. Apple aims to fix this with a new feature in Safari called “Distraction Control.”
In the new iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia beta, Apple introduces Distraction Control. This feature allows users to hide specific parts of a webpage, like cookie permission popups or newsletter signups. However, it doesn’t automatically block ads or any dynamic content that changes with each visit. Users manually select what they want to hide, and Safari remembers these settings for future visits. This should help make browsing less distracting and more comfortable.
Distraction Control isn’t a new idea. A similar feature exists in the third-party Arc Browser, but now Apple is bringing it to its ecosystem.
Samsung Internet Beta Adds Useful Features
Samsung has updated its Internet Beta app to version 27.0.0.26, adding two new features and removing two old ones.
- Search Option in Settings: This new feature makes it easier to find specific settings in the browser. You can find the search option just below the ‘Internet Settings’ title.
- End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): For better security, Samsung Internet Beta now supports E2EE for data synchronization. This means your bookmarks and saved pages will be securely backed up and restored when you sign into your Samsung account. This feature requires devices running One UI 6.1 or higher.
On the downside, the update removes the ability to change the scroll bar position and hide it. While not many users utilized these features, they were still nice to have.
To get the latest version of Samsung Internet Beta, go to Galaxy Store » Menu » Updates and click on “Update all.” Samsung will likely implement these changes in the main Samsung Internet app soon.
