Boat Browser removed from Android market

[wmm]

I've recently discovered and started using Boat Browser. Its treatment of tabs is nearly as convenient as Firefox, and it doesn't have the problems that Firefox does (low-resolution graphics, no Flash support).

This morning when I opened Boat Browser I got a notification saying that "due to Android Market policy, Boat Brower [sic] Mini is removed from market temporarily." They said that they are seeking more information from Google.

Naturally, this is worrisome. Does anyone have any additional information about what caused the removal?

 

[Lennatron]

I've noticed this also and I so find it quite worrisome. I'm considering uninstalling since it has all of my passwords/personal information stored.

 

[wayrad]

This might shed some light on it: Boat Browser Mini v1.1.5

Unfortunately the only thing I could get to load was the text version of a cached copy, so it looks strange.

 

[wmm]

Thanks for the link, but I don't think it actually does shed any light. The only mention of "malware" that I saw was asking for people to report ads on the ipmart site that pointed to shady sites and had nothing to do with boat browser. (Unless there was something in the thread that was linked to rather than shown.)

 

[sadielynn]

Oh boy, I just stopped using this a week or so ago...glad I stopped, but I'm still worried

 

[Lennatron]

I think it's best we all stop using it. I'm uninstalling it now.

 

[wmm]

I wrote to the company asking about the reason for the removal. Here is their reply:

The Boat Browser is absolutely safe, believe us, we never do evil.
If the browser is not secure(spyware or torjan), the google will removed it from you phone.

As far as we know, the Boat Browser have engaged in anti-competitive behavior(In the description, we write something about other browsers), which is not allowed by the Android Market.

We will correct it and get back soon.

I'll leave it up to you to decide for yourself how plausible this statement is, but I thought I should pass it along.

 

[45droid]

^^Thanks for that. Really didn't want to uninstall this as it was quickly becoming my go to browser. I did clear all the saved data from it though...

 

[Lennatron]

If it returns to the Market I'll consider using it again, but until then I sure won't be using it. These days you really do have to make a big deal over apps removed from the market, especially apps that store personal data, browsers you've entered your credit card number through . . .

 

[45droid]

For all the Boat Browser fans out there, a little more info to shed some... ahem... "light" on the subject:

This is a post from the app's dev on the Android Market help forum.


Also some speculation from someone at xda:

The UI is a complete ripoff of Mobile Safari in iOS, that's probably why it was pulled

More @ Link.

At any rate, here is some of what the dev had in his description of the app when it was on the market:

If you have tried Opera Mini Web Browser, Opera Mobile Web Browser, Dolphin Browser HD, Dolphin Browser Mini, Skyfire Web Browser, Mozilla Firefox Web Browser, Miren Browser, QQ Browser, Wikitude World Browser, Galapagos Browser, NetFront Life Browser and UC Browser English, but still not satisfied, you definitely need to try our Boat Browser Mini. It will make you feel totally different. It

 

[MyNamesTooLong]

How many times did music junk and freedi get pulled...just saying

 

[45droid]

Just an update: BoatBrowser is back on the market.

 

[wmm]

I'm glad to see that; thanks for passing along that bit of news! I still like this the best of the browsers I have tried so far, and it's good to see them back in the market.