For the first time in five years, I have a new default browser on all my devices. After years of loyal service, Arc has been retired. My new go-to is Vivaldi 8.0, a browser that has long been praised for its speed and customization but now finally looks the part. This isn't just a minor update; it's a significant shift in how I browse the web, and it's worth exploring why Vivaldi 8.0 has won me over.
The Rise of Vivaldi
Vivaldi was created by a team of former Opera developers who wanted to bring back the power and flexibility that many felt was lost as browsers became simpler and more locked down. The browser has always been known for its extensive settings panel, allowing users to tweak almost every aspect of their browsing experience. From tab management to keyboard shortcuts, mouse gestures, and even custom themes, Vivaldi puts control firmly in the user's hands. However, its previous designs were often criticized as cluttered or dated. With version 8.0, Vivaldi has undergone a major visual overhaul. The interface is cleaner, more modern, and less intrusive. The default theme is lightweight, and the overall experience feels polished — something that previously held many users back.
Speed and Performance
Vivaldi 8.0 is built on Chromium, so it inherits all the speed and compatibility of Google's engine while adding its own optimization layers. In my testing, pages load quickly, and the browser handles multiple tabs with ease — even with dozens open. The new design doesn't sacrifice performance for aesthetics. The tab management system is particularly powerful: you can stack tabs, tile them, or use a two-level tab bar. These features may seem niche, but for power users who juggle many tasks, they are invaluable. Additionally, Vivaldi includes a built-in ad blocker, tracker blocker, and a notes panel, reducing the need for external extensions.
Customization at Its Core
What sets Vivaldi apart from Chrome, Edge, or Safari is the sheer depth of customization. The settings menu is extensive, but the new interface makes it more navigable. You can change the position of tabs, adjust the color scheme, choose which buttons appear in the toolbar, and even set custom keyboard shortcuts for any action. One standout feature is the ability to create custom search engines that can include multiple parameters. This is a boon for power users who need to query specific databases or internal tools. The browser also supports separate profiles, making it easy to keep work and personal browsing separate. If you're willing to spend an hour or two tweaking, you can create a browsing environment that perfectly suits your workflow.
What Else Caught My Eye This Week
While Vivaldi 8.0 is the highlight, the week brought several other notable releases and discoveries. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu has premiered, and despite mixed reviews, I'm excited to see the duo on the big screen again. Two tech books have also captured my attention: Steve Jobs in Exile by Geoff Cain, which covers Jobs' time at NeXT and Pixar, offering fresh insights into his transformation; and How to Rule the World, a Stanford student's deep dive into the ties between the university and Silicon Valley. On the accessories front, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds have been praised by my colleague for having the best phone-call quality he's ever used, a compelling pitch at their price point. And for Apple Shortcuts enthusiasts, the MacStories team has launched the Shortcuts Playground, which uses AI to generate shortcuts from natural language descriptions — a game-changer for automation.
A Weekly Roundup of Tech and Culture
The Installer community also shared some gems this week. One reader found an Oculus Go at a thrift store for $10, noting that despite many apps being defunct, it still works for YouTube. Another recommended the Allroundo Eco cable from Vonmahlen, a compact cable with multiple adapters. A reader is experimenting with Google Docs alternatives like Writer and Ellipsis, and another is enjoying Diablo IV’s new expansion with friends. These community tips always add a personal touch to the tech landscape. Finally, the Strike Force Five podcast reunited to celebrate Stephen Colbert's final week on The Late Show. Their chemistry is as sharp as ever, providing a perfect end-of-week treat. That podcast, born during the 2023 writers' strike, remains one of the funniest things I've heard.
See you next week!
Source: The Verge News