UC Browser has attained 33.76% monthly page view market share this October in Pakistan, and marks success in another emerging market after China, India and Indonesia.
“Pakistan is an important player of South Asia market, and we are glad to become a mobile internet gateway for its users. We will continue improving our products and providing better experience to Pakistan users”, said Kenny Ye, Managing Director of UCWeb International Business Department.
Technology and localization are the keys
The popularity of UC Browser in Pakistan attributes to its continuous product localization that caters to underserved user demands, technologies that speed up web browsing as well as the upsurge of the smartphone. Take localized content and services for example, UC Browser users can follow the live scores of Pakistan cricket matches on UC – Cricket, a welcomed in-app product to keep users posted on the latest information of their favorite sport. Besides, UC Browser gives easy access to the hottest videos and top songs in Pakistan.
A Glimpse into Pakistan’s Booming Mobile Internet
Home to the world’s 6th largest population, Pakistan is also a booming internet market. The last several years have seen an exponential rise in internet penetration thanks to rapid technological advances and increasing affordability of mobile phones. As per internetworldstats.com, 14.6% of Pakistan’s total population accessed to the internet in Dec. 2014.
UC Browser’s recent Pakistan Mobile Internet Use Study covering 5500 local users offers a glimpse at Pakistani mobile internet consumption trends. Here are some key takeaways:
I think something is fishy in this browser. I read this research article on the topic of security and privacy issues in this browser (after reading your last post on its popularity in India):
https://citizenlab.org/2015/05/a-chatty-squirrel-privacy-and-security-issues-with-uc-browser/
I also checked the browser myself and as suspected I quickly figured out why it’s popular in Asian countries (especially in India) and its no surprise.