Baidu offers beta version of its own Web browser
China's largest search engine, Baidu, has begun offering downloads of its new Internet browser, which boasts its own collection of 30,000" apps" that can quickly connect users to online games, videos and other tools.
A beta version of Baidu Browser was released on Monday. The browser is advertised as "simple and reliable", offering secure navigation of the Web to protect from malware. But the browser also has a "treasure house" feature, which functions like an app store.
The apps featured on the treasure house, however, do not work as software downloads. Instead the free apps launch through the browser as online programs hosted by Baidu. The apps include a wide range of offerings such as music players, cooking recipe providers and comic book readers. Users can add the apps to their browser homepage, essentially bookmarking them.
