Hao123 Current for Android

Hao123 Current takes an average Internet browser and successfully improves it with colorful bookmarks and basic gesture controls. This app initially seems appealing because of the clean and modern design, but it ultimately doesn't deliver a more effective way of browsing the Web.

Hao123 Current installs easily but the setup can take some time. The app is fully customizable to the user's preferences. It consists of a home screen and a browser. The home screen includes slots that can be filled with various links and information such as latest news and Facebook and Twitter updates, daily horoscope, weather forecast, and similar. This is a lot like your device's home screen and the app also allows you to swipe your way through it. When you tap the links or information squares, the browser then takes over and directs you to the appropriate page. Adding or deleting links is quite easy. To edit the home screen you must tap and hold the screen until a tiny x appears in the corner of the links. To delete a link, you have to lightly tap the x. Unfortunately the x is so tiny on smaller screens, that a stylus is needed for the most success. On tablets it's just fine, though. Additionally, you can add and delete sources and information displayed by clicking on the plus icon in the lower-right corner of the screen. Here you can also enter the general settings as well as view your bookmarks and history. Even though the bright colors and overall layout make the app look nice, finding your way through is not as intuitive as it may seem, at first. Ultimately, we found little to woo us away from our current browser.

While visually appealing, Hao123 Current seems unnecessary since stock Internet browsers and applications for social media are far more easy to use. This app does perform as intended and combines the information you want in one neat layout, but sometimes it may seem like you're jumping through hoops to view it.