Apparently, Samsung wants to rely on its own mobile browser rather than Google’s Chrome or any third-party browsers. The Korea IT News has allegedly stated that Samsung’s Silicon Valley-based ‘research and development’ center are looking for Webkit experts. Webkit, an open source layout designed to allow web browsers to access web pages, is used by almost every browser including Apple’s Safari and Google’s Chrome. Of course, the South Korean Electronic manufacturer would develop its own browser for Android powered Samsung Galaxy line-up in order to provide better browsing experiences to the device owners. However, I’m waiting for Samsung’s official declaration for its mobile browser.
One question spontaneously pokes to my mind; Will Samsung really dump Chrome browser from its Smartphones which is pretty nice in functionality? In February this year, Google launched “Chrome Mobile” which is comparatively more advanced than other Android browsers. But, it’s true that Apple and BlackBerry are relying on their own browsers and definitely, Samsung will try to encourage Galaxy users to use its own browser.
According to StatCounter, default browser in the Android devices was leading with 24.4% market share in August this year, followed by default browser in iPhone with 20.81% share and Opera with 19.34%. Android, iPhone and Opera combined accounts for 65% of the global mobile browser market share.
Why Samsung Would Develop Its Own Browser?
Samsung has long experiences of chip designing and hardware manufacturing. If Samsung will develop its own browser, then it could leverage on its specific accelerator of the chip and also, the company can design its chips for smartphone by taking advantages of their browsing codes. Android browser are written for multi-devices (with different chips), not particularly to the Samsung’s smartphone. If Samsung develops its own browser, then it will write the codes specifically for its own chip.
If I think beyond the box, then I feel Samsung has different strategies. I have already explained that Samsung has planned to launch AdHub in conjunction with Open X Technologies; It means that company will try to enter into mobile ads space. Like Google,  it will also try to design its browser so that it could generate ‘hoard of dollars’ from ads campaigns. Undoubtedly, Samsung is the world’s biggest smartphone manufacturer in terms of shipments and ‘its own browser’ on ‘its own smartphones’ is just like ‘icing on the cake’.
In addition to these, I think, Samsung will try to integrate its whole mobile ecosystem with its browser as Google does—integrates Google Map, News, YouTube and more with Chrome browser. It’s well known that Samsung is also working on its own mobile OS , besides, it is likely to create a mobile ecosystem around like Apple and Google. We can’t ignore the importance of mobile ecosystem–apps, eBooks, digital contents and more–for the success of any mobile platform. Apple and Google are successful in the mobile segment due to their strong mobile ecosystem, while Nokia left Symbian platform due to inability to create a strong mobile ecosystem.
It’s pretty clear that Samsung is working on its own mobile OS (Tizen and Bada), AdHub (amalgamation with Open X) and its mobile ecosystem. Definitely, it needs to have its own browser to optimize its business module and dependendency on Android OS and Android browser could be fatal for it.
