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Privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo has released its Mac desktop browser in public beta after a closed beta since April. The appearance of the browser on macOS is ideal for those who want privacy when browsing the web. However, Windows users won’t have to wait long as the Windows version has been confirmed and is currently in beta testing.
If you have a Mac, why not check out what the browser has to offer before it officially launches? So what can using DuckDuckGo on Mac do?
What exactly is DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo is a search engine created in 2008 that specializes in user privacy by not saving your search or browser history and blocking any tracking cookies, including Google and Facebook. It promises to bring back online privacy to users. As with other web browsers, you can still browse the web, read news, use maps, and shop online. Best of all, it’s free to install and use.
Your searches are completely anonymous and you will notice an empty search history because the browser does not save your searches. In addition, the browser offers a “Fire” button that erases your tabs and data with the click of a button. When you open DuckDuckGo again, it looks like you’re using it for the first time.
The search engine is free to install on Android and iOS devices and now includes Mac. While the Windows version is still under development, you can install the DuckDuckGo search tool as an extension for other browsers, including Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari, as a direct link.
Download: DuckDuckGo for Mac (Free Beta)
What does the public beta include?
The DuckDuckGo team first announced a desktop browser for Mac in December 2021, along with a Windows version and possible Linux support. DuckDuckGo first announced a closed beta version for the Mac browser back in April.
The closed beta included many built-in features to their mobile app, including a launch button. Also included is an integrated ad and tracker blocker, pop-up cookie protection, and built-in encryption that automatically encrypts HTTPS-enabled websites, making your data safer and more secure online.
Now in public beta, it seems to offer some additional features to Mac users. For example, its Duck Player feature protects you from targeted ads and cookies while watching YouTube videos.
Although YouTube still records your views, Duck Player does not add anything to your ad profile. Additionally, other features include pinned tabs, a new bookmarks bar, and the introduction of DuckDuckGo Email Protection, an email tracking blocker to protect your desktop inbox.
Another nice little feature is Bitwarden, an open source password manager that provides additional password protection. Finally, if you’re ready to try the beta version, there’s an option to import saved bookmarks and passwords from your current browser to the Mac browser.
Will it change web browsing?
Although it will not overtake Google Chrome as the most popular search engine, it is currently the second most used search engine in the United States, is in the top 10 search engines of 2022, and is estimated to receive between 70 and 100 million visitors per month.
Although Google Chrome is still the most popular search engine, more than six million users have installed DuckDuckGo’s Chrome extension.
Why you should consider switching to DuckDuckGo
If you value privacy while browsing the web, without constant pop-ups and cookies tracking your history and data, DuckDuckGo is the way to go. If you’re considering advertising on DuckDuckGo, you’ll be surprised to learn that it’s ten times more affordable than Google, but don’t expect as many sales or as many clicks.
What’s next for DuckDuckGo? With the DuckDuckGo browser now available on Mac and private beta plans for the Windows version coming soon, the company will continue to expand its user reach to offer more devices a new, secure and anonymous way to browse.
The public beta is just a taster of what to expect before its full official launch later. There are other features in the DuckDuckGo beta as well, so there’s a lot more to the browser.
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