Russian internet search company Yandex has managed to fence off Google in most, if not all, Russian-speaking countries when it comes to searching the web, The Next Web reported.
The company has announced the launch of an Internet browser that ‘leverages its cloud expertise’, heating up the rivalry some more.
The move was reported by Reuters and others a few weeks ago, but Yandex had declined to confirm that it was working on its own browser up until today, Oct 1.
It comes a few months after we reported that Yandex had been ousted from the default search option spot in the latest version of Mozilla’s Firefox browser, in favor of Google. Obviously, Google Chrome also searches Google by default.
Yandex also offers a customized Firefox browser to its users, a product it recently said it would keep offering. That remains to be seen, now that the company has decided to debut its own, branded Internet browser.
Yandex’s browser, which is simply dubbed Yandex Browser, uses the WebKit engine, which of course also powers the Apple Safari and Google Chrome browsers.
The browser supports Windows and Mac OS, and it’s safe to assume it will soon be extended to mobile platforms as well.
The company says its cloud-based “safe browsing technology”, together with Kaspersky Lab’s security solution, will safeguard users by warning them about potentially malicious websites. The company also offers a free cloud storage service, a mobile taxi booking app, a music subscription service and a ‘Yandex.Money’ debit card, among others.
