OSLO, NORWAY – Under embargo until September 3rd 09:00 CEST
At a time where more and more people are looking for viable alternatives to the mainstream Big Tech apps and services, the Norwegian and independent Vivaldi continues to position itself as a real alternative. A powerful, personal and private browser. One full of useful features that help find joy in daily browsing; one that lets users customize things to their liking; one that doesn’t spy on them. We keep on working to create a better web.
Here’s what’s new:
Built-in local calculator in the Address Field
Thanks to our new local calculator, users can do quick and private calculations, directly on the URL field. No need to switch apps or open new tabs. By clicking enter, the result gets copied into the clipboard, so it can be easily pasted wherever the user needs. Fewer clicks = a better browsing flow.
Performing local calculations was already possible on our Quick Commands menu. But in true Vivaldi fashion, we now give users more ways to do it, so they can choose what works best for them.
Those who don’t want to see this in their Address Field can turn it off by going to Settings > Address Field > Address Field Suggestions, and unchecking the “Local calculator” box.
Bonus side: the calculations performed on the URL field are safe from prying eyes and will not be saved anywhere, not even users’ History.
Better PWA discoverability
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are websites that can be installed and run as separate apps, getting their own app icon on the dock and their own entry on the task switcher – all while being powered by Vivaldi.
But how can users know which sites are PWAs? Before, the path to install a PWA was somehow buried in a context menu. Now, whenever a site offers a PWA, they’ll see an “Install” icon right in the Address Field, making its installation easier than ever. And if they return to the same webpage, they’ll se an icon prompting them to open it on the app.
If anyone is concerned about storage space, they really shouldn’t be. Only a small manifest file and icon get actually downloaded; the app is running from the web server (or in-browser if the author has coded it to work offline).
At Vivaldi, we love the web because it works on any device and any operating system, and we believe apps should do the same. PWAs do just this – the universal reach of the Web, but with the look and feel of native apps.
Installed PWAs and their settings will be visible by going to vivaldi://apps.
First steps towards Vivaldi as an enterprise browser
Through the years, we’ve been expanding our offering to make Vivaldi available for all platforms (even cars!). But we are aware that many of our users still face an impediment to use it everywhere: getting permission to use it at their workplace.
That’s why our team has been quietly working on developing an enterprise version: a real alternative to Big Tech browsers, built for organizations of all sizes—from businesses and public institutions, to government departments and schools.
For this first technical preview, we’ve been working on supporting policy management and browser customization for organizations. Now, we want to gather some feedback that will hopefully help us shape the path forward. Any enterprise-related enquiries can be address to [email protected].
***
Vivaldi 8.2 continues to be the browser that puts the user first and wants to meet them where they are. It will be available for download on September 3rd, 09:00 CEST.