CyanogenMod team is delivering on its promise to bring extreme customisation to its mobile users through its custom ROM, and now it is taking a step further by doing the same with browsers. In the pool of third-party browsers, CM is adding a new entry called Gello, Chromium-based browser for Android smartphones. The new open-source project by CyanogenMod invites a host of new features unseen in other third-party browsers or even Google Chrome browser for mobile.
According to Android Police, which unearthed the new features, Gello includes a feature that allows offline reading by saving web pages to make them accessible without an internet connection later. Also, users get Night mode, Immersive mode, and site-by-site privacy and security settings. In line with what CM is known for, Gello also gets customised UI with new tab animations and management, the report added. Finally, users get the option to save downloads anywhere by changing the path and also rename files.
CyanogenMod teased the first look of the Gello browser in a Google+ post along with a 14-second video that lists all the features at a glance. Joey Rizzoli from the CM team followed up on the first post with a detailed explanation about Gello's compatibility, features and more. He also clarified that users of Google browser will not be forced to use Gello.
"No. CyanogenMod Team does not hate Google, this is not a way to steal Google's work (chromium is opensource), nor me (or any other CM team member) wants you remove Chrome from your device. You'll always be free to choose to install your GApps package alongside with CyanogenMod and replace all the CyanogenMod apps you don't like/use with Google's," Rizzoli explained.
"We aren't "putting a bullet into Google's head". We're just creating an operative system (or ROM or Firmware, whatever you call it)," he added.
While the demonstrated features look tempting, Rizzoli also shared a five-minute video to demonstrate Gello more clearly. It's worth noting that the features shown in Gello are merely a part of many others and developers will be able to contribute towards the browser once it is official. Until then, watch the video below to get a better understanding of what CyanogenMod is offering in Gello:
