Some days ago we talk to you from the web browser HeliumIt's like Chromium, but closer to its ungoogled version and with useful features like a default ad blocker, !bangs, and more privacy. It's the preferred option for many users, and a large number of them come to Helium from Brave, aiming to use a "Chrome without Google," but also without Brave's features, which they label as... bloatware.
I've been testing these past few days Brave Origin And Helium, partly so I can report on them and partly so I can recommend them to my acquaintances. Right now, my recommendation has to remain the regular version of Brave, because Origin is a paid app on Windows, the system most people use, and Helium It has a couple of shortcomings that both I and part of the community consider important.
Helium and Zero Synchronization
Helium prioritizes privacy from the outset. When we use a synchronization system, we're uploading our data to the cloud, and that's something they want to avoid so the user has complete control over their data. The problem is the lack of comfort.
When a user starts using a browser, it's completely empty. Let's say we used Helium on Linux for a while and want to use it on another computer with Windows. We might have saved dozens of bookmarks, but when we start using the new computer, none of them will be there. This will also happen with passwords. Of course, if you use a service like 1Password or Bitwarden, you install the extension and the problem is solved, but what if you don't? You'll have to add the passwords one by one.
Helium yes It allows importing data from another browser installed on the same operating system.This saves work on that specific machine. However, it cannot export data to another Helium, which is a problem when combined with the lack of synchronization.
No support for DRM content
The other major shortcoming is that does not support WidevineTherefore, it's impossible to play content from Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, etc. It's said that this is because Widevine is Google software, and they prefer not to implement it. The problem is compounded when you learn that it's also impossible to add support with a patch or hack. Simply put, at the time of writing, it's not a possibility.
If you look for some information, the most conformist or "fans" of Helium will sayUse a different browser for that."Or something similar. To me, it seems like an absurd response that simply confirms Helium's shortcomings: if they recommend using another browser to do what your browser doesn't allow, there's little more to add."
I usually use Vivaldi on computers where I need advanced features, and Firefox where I just want a simple browser. On my main computer, I also have Chromium and Brave, but that's just to compare them, since I write blogs and it's useful for that. But Vivaldi/Firefox lets me do everything I need on each computer. I'm not forced to install another browser just because one of them can't do something.
Helium is still in beta phase
We are talking about a browser that is still in betaAnd they can introduce many changes before the first stable release. In my opinion, and this is shared by many users, they need to fix these two shortcomings. The DRM issue could be resolved by publishing official documentation on how users can add Widevine, even if it's after informing them of the potential privacy risks.
I understand that syncing to the cloud can be detrimental to privacy, and I don't think the project will create its own cloud storage for this purpose. One solution would be to create a file to export the data, or to provide official instructions on how to transfer it from one installation to another.
In any case, I cannot recommend Helium to acquaintances who are not very knowledgeable if they do not make things easier.