Ulaa: India’s Next Browser for Developers and Privacy Enthusiasts 🚀
When it comes to web browsers, we usually hear the same big names: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave. Most of them are either from the US or Europe, with data policies that often raise questions in countries like India.
But now, we finally have a strong Made-in-India alternative: Ulaa by Zoho.
Ulaa means journey in Tamil — and it truly feels like the beginning of India’s journey toward building a privacy-first, developer-friendly browser that competes with global giants.
In this blog, I’ll share my experience of using Ulaa as a developer in India, what makes it stand out, and why it deserves to be called India’s next browser.
🌏 Why India Needs Its Own Browser
India is rapidly moving toward data sovereignty — ensuring that user data is stored, managed, and protected within the country. With 1.4 billion people, the need for a browser that is built in India, for Indians, with global standards is huge.
Here’s why:
Dependence on foreign tech → Most browsers rely on US-based companies.
Privacy concerns → Data is often collected, tracked, and monetized.
Local innovation → India has the talent to build world-class software — Zoho’s success proves it.
Ulaa isn’t just another Chromium fork. It’s India’s shot at redefining the browser space with privacy, productivity, and ethical design.
⚡ First Impressions as a Developer
As a developer, here’s what stood out when I started using Ulaa:
- Multiple Browsing Modes
Unlike Chrome or Firefox, Ulaa lets you switch modes:
Work Mode – Isolate projects and keep professional sessions separate.
Developer Mode – Tailored for debugging and testing.
Kids Mode – Safe browsing for children.
Personal Mode – Private browsing without trackers.
Open Season Mode – Compatibility for sites that force cookies/trackers.
This separation is a blessing for developers in India juggling client projects, side hustles, and personal life — all in one machine.
- Built-in Privacy Features
Ad & tracker blocking by default.
DNS-level blocking for malicious domains.
Zero hidden sync with foreign servers.
In a time when digital privacy is becoming as important as financial privacy, Ulaa stands tall.
- Productivity-First Design
Tab grouping & session isolation → Perfect for handling multiple clients.
Built-in screen capture & annotations → Share quick feedback with teams.
Reader mode → Distraction-free learning, ideal for reading Indian govt policies, dev blogs, or long-form docs.
These small details feel made for real working professionals in India.
| Feature | Chrome | Brave | Firefox | Ulaa (India) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | USA | USA | USA | 🇮🇳 India |
| Privacy-first | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ |
| Multiple browsing modes | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Developer workflow mode | ❌ | ❌ | Partial | ✅ |
| Built-in productivity | ❌ | Limited | Limited | ✅ |
| Ethical data use | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ |
With Ulaa, we finally have a homegrown browser that competes globally.
💡 Why Developers in India Should Care
Local trust → Built in India, by Zoho (a trusted SaaS giant).
Better debugging → Separate workflows for development and testing.
No vendor lock-in → Your data isn’t tied to foreign companies.
Project-friendly → Great for freelancers, startups, and agencies in India handling multiple clients.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Ulaa may be new, but it’s a serious contender.
It respects Indian users’ privacy.
It promotes data sovereignty.
It’s designed with developers and productivity in mind.
Is it perfect? Not yet — the extension ecosystem still needs to grow, and some sites behave better in "Open Season" mode. But as India’s first big step in the browser space, Ulaa is both promising and refreshing.
✅ Takeaway
If you want to support a Made-in-India browser that:
Respects your privacy,
Boosts your productivity,
And gives developers thoughtful tools…
👉 Give Ulaa a try. It might just be India’s answer to Chrome and Brave.
💬 Over to you: Do you think India can build a global tech product in the browser space? Have you tried Ulaa yet?
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