Chinese search engine releases beta version of Baidu Browser with a collection of 30,000 'apps' that launch through the browser China’s largest search engine, Baidu, has begun offering downloads of its new Internet browser, which boasts its own collection of 30,000 “apps” that can quickly connect users to online games, videos, and other tools.A beta version of Baidu Browser was released on Monday. The browser is advertised as “simple and reliable,” offering secure navigation of the Web to protect from malware. But the browser also has a “treasure house” feature, which functions like an app store.[ Also on InfoWorld.com: The mobile browser wars intensify, with a number of competitors fighting for dominance among iPhone, iPad, and Android users. | Get the no-nonsense explanations and advice you need to take real advantage of cloud computing in the InfoWorld editors’ 21-page Cloud Computing Deep Dive PDF special report. | Stay up on the cloud with InfoWorld’s Cloud Computing Report newsletter. ] The apps featured on the treasure house, however, do not work as software downloads. Instead, the free apps launch through the browser as online programs hosted by Baidu. The apps include a wide range of offerings such as music players, cooking recipe providers, and comic book readers. Users can add the apps to their browser home page, essentially bookmarking them.Baidu currently has 75.9 percent share of Internet search engine revenues, with Google a distant second, according to Beijing-based research firm Analysys International. The browser — which has an address bar that can also function as a Baidu search bar — is meant to further solidify the company’s hold over the market. The browser was also built with the company’s “box computing” strategy in mind, a concept where users can not only search for results on Baidu, but also execute commands and launch apps within the browser.Microsoft’s Internet Explorer has long dominated China’s Web browser market. But in recent months Internet Explorer has fallen in popularity, down to 62.9 percent from the 83.3 percent it held in February, according to CNZZ.com, an analytical Web research site. Internet Explorer appears to have lost those user numbers to a Web browser by Chinese security vendor 360, which has 19 percent usage share in the country. Other Chinese companies like gaming and social networking operator Tencent also have their own Web browsers.Google’s Chrome browser has 2.5 percent user share in China. Mozilla’s Firefox has 2 percent. Technology IndustrySoftware Development