Not so long ago, the Russian company Rostelecom developed its own Internet access tool in conjunction with a search engine. Of course, this is the Sputnik browser. Reviews about the new software, in principle, are quite contradictory: some like it, others don't. Let's try to figure out what is good and what is bad in it.
Sputnik Browser: Official View
So, what is the new Russian browser Sputnik? Feedback from its creators on the part of the creators is trying to convince the Internet community that it has the latest system, combining both the means of access to the World Wide Web and the search engine.
It is also alleged that this browser is designed to simplify the work of the Internet for people who are completely far from knowledge of the principles and means of access to the Network, for example, children or senior citizens. Rostelecom specialists claim that the browser is constantly saturated with new content and support the most popular social networks. But is it really so? Let's look at the Sputnik browser itself (Rostelecom). Reviews about him obviously will not leave anyone indifferent. Although the company that created it, and expects a constant increase in the number of users and fans, alas, the number of downloads is a little over 50 thousand. As they say, the popularization failed, and this is absolutely not connected with the marketing strategy of the developers. Rather, this applies to the application itself and some aspects of its functioning.
Sputnik Browser: Description
Let's try to consider the novelty without prejudice, based on the opinions of specialists specializing in the development and testing of this kind of software products. What is the Sputnik browser like? Expert reviews, not to mention the opinions of people who have tried it in practice, indicate that we have yet another “chromium-like” application.
Yes Yes exactly. It is based on the well-known browser Chromium version 41, which served as a platform for creating the same Yandex browser and Amigo. In turn, Chromium itself is based solely on technologies used in one of the most powerful and popular Google Chrome products.
That is, presumably, the creators of "Sputnik" went the way of least resistance and costs, borrowing technology, so as not to rack their brains. On the one hand, this may be good. The browser does not seem to slow down; opening pages is fast enough. On the other hand, it resembles a kind of plagiarism used to create the Sputnik browser. User reviews, unfortunately, only say that the copy, even though slightly revised, turned out to be clumsy. And that's why.
Sputnik Browser for Windows 7 and Up: First Look
Now let's try to consider the desktop version of the program. As an example, we use the Sputnik browser for Windows 7. For now, leave the reviews alone, but simply launch the application and look at the interface.
Frankly, nothing special. The standard panel with tabs, plus built-in bookmarks, the content of which raises legitimate doubts about the advisability of their presence. Well, tell me: why search for instructions for medications, study schedules for turning off hot water, or look for notaries on maps? Is there really no other topic to search for? But there is a weather widget and major news.
Not the best way looks and the tab "My Home". It would seem that there are a lot of links, but if you look closely, it is immediately noticeable that they all have a narrow focus on the subject: pharmacies, libraries, schools, shops, post offices, kindergartens, churches, etc.
With the release of the G8 version, the interface has clearly changed to fit the system itself. A “figure eight" tile appeared on which the main sections of the news, television programs, weather, exchange rates, electronic maps, the tab "My Home" are presented, and again, for some reason, the drug search section. What is it? Sensitive subject?
By the way, does one need to explain that the search engine does not use popular and advanced engines, but works on its own principles? And these principles, as it turns out, are far from perfect.
Search Content Filtering
Moreover, filtering sites and their contents even in the search section is very strict. Although in the settings, digging around, you can find changes in the level of security, anyway, the restrictions will be such that sometimes you just can’t find the necessary things.
Note that this is not filtering the content, namely the search results. And here's another thing: it is not clear why this setting was moved outside the search engine, but in the same Chrome or Yandex browser, you can change the security level directly in the search service. In general, uncomfortable.
Ad blocking
Now one more look at the Sputnik browser. Reviews about the ad blocking system are also divided. True, it’s hard to disagree that the browser does a good job of filtering too annoying ads, however, this thing is called the “Advertising tap”! Here!
But the level of settings can be changed, up to a complete block. At Rutreker, taken as an example, almost everything was blocked. But there is also a rather fat minus. The fact is that the browser does not allow installing add-ons in the form of the same AdBlock Plus (and in general, any other add-ons, although there is a corresponding section in the settings). However, judging by the feedback from users, because of this blocker, some sites do not want to open at all.
Child mode
We pass to the so-called children's mode. How is he interesting? When activated, the tab that appears when the browser starts turns into a real children's entertainment portal.
True, it is completely incomprehensible why it is immediately proposed to watch all the series "Well, wait a minute!" On the other hand, access to some settings disappears from the menu, absolutely all resources with abstracts, social networks, torrent trackers are blocked, not to mention the rest of the content.
The child mode itself is protected by a password, which simply cannot be turned off. This is a clear plus. Apparently, such a precaution was introduced solely for the reason that the browser was supposed to be installed as the main one in schools. However, as evidenced by the reviews of specialists on the Web, many still find ways to bypass the lock.
As for sites with dubious content, the browser relies on its own database, which contains a lot of resources. However, many experts believe (and not without reason) that the list is based on the Roskomnadzor database, supplemented by what was manually found on the Internet. That is, we are not talking about any automation.
Settings
Finally, a few words about the settings section of the program settings. As soon as you enter it, you immediately see a full copy of "Chrome" (this can be seen even in the address bar). To be absolutely frank, at least for the appearance, something could be changed.
By the way, in the configuration of the initial group one of the control parameters of the initial page "Satellite / Start" is indicated. Why it is needed here is not clear, because, by and large, the user can’t disable it anyway.
As already mentioned, there is a section of extensions, but nothing can be installed. So his presence in the settings is also not justified.
As it turns out, the browser also has the function of creating your own account, however, as many reviews say, registration codes come in two months, or even later.
General impression
In general, if we summarize, based on the considerations of specialists and users, the results are very disappointing. Despite all the advertising moves, the popularity of the Russian development at zero. Some, evaluating the operation of the application on a 5-point scale, put the new browser almost a count with a minus. Here, however, many do not take into account the specifics of the program, and in fact, it must be assumed that it was developed specifically for school institutions.
Then it is easy to guess why there is such a strict filtering of search queries, ad blocking and inaccessibility of many resources. However, the speed of work is clearly not lame. To be objective, this development is suitable specifically for child care facilities, but not for a regular user who would like to use this browser in everyday work. And when you consider that he is also a state ... You understand.
By the way, the mobile version of the application was not considered here, since it is clearly inferior in popularity to the desktop one. And reviews of the new Sputnik browser clearly do not tip the balance in his favor.