Vivaldi Browser Could Help You Be More Productive, Creative

The most popular Web browsers, like Chrome and Internet Explorer, are tailored to simplicity. They are, after all, the default browser for most PC users. The basic necessities – bookmarks, tabs, search box – are commonly utilized by every level of user, from computer engineers to first-time Web browsers. As such, it makes sense that these features are commonplace in every browser, because it’s all you need to get around the Web quickly and efficiently.

However, for many professionals that rely on the Internet daily, the most common browsers could be better in terms of efficiency. It’s not uncommon for hard-at-work professionals to find their Web browser with an overstuffed header of multiple tabs, compiled after thorough research and communication. It’s also frequent that you may need to use a different program while within your browser, such as a notepad, only to find switching between interfaces cumbersome and time-consuming.

The Vivaldi browser seeks to address these areas of concern and others, both for the Internet-heavy professional and fast-paced casual users of the Web. The browser is now available on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. Chrome users will find the switch particularly easy, as Vivaldi can run extensions from the Chrome Web Store. Extensions aren’t a focus of the browser – as it aims to offer all you need in the browser alone – but it’s a good sign that extensions should be accessible in the long term.

The other areas that separate Vivaldi from the pack are appealing as well:

Standout Customization

All things considered, customizing your browser on Chrome or Safari is limited, with the ability to change your browser’s color or theme at best. Vivaldi takes it a step further. [tweet_box]Want to have your tabs on the side or bottom of the browser? Vivaldi lets you do it.[/tweet_box] The Vivaldi interface was written in JavaScript, which helps make customization easy. Plus, the browser has a feature with a chameleon-like theme capability, where your browser’s colors have the option to adjust to the website you’re visiting.

Keyboard-Friendly to the Max

Many fast-working individuals like to stick to their keyboards, seeing grabbing for the mouse as inefficient. When you’re in the typing groove, it’s hard to argue. Vivaldi is great for those who are fond of keyboard-heavy surfing, as quick commands are ample in the browser. You can view the quick-list commands via F2.

As its own website says, “Quick Commands let you search through open tabs, bookmarks, history, settings and more with one single keyboard shortcut.” That’s a great thing for any productivity-minded Web surfer.

Lessened Security Concerns

Many are understandably wary of security concerns when using Web browsers, especially considering past security concerns with Chrome and others. Many users resort to adding extensions to prevent corporate snooping on browsing data, but Vivaldi aims for its browser to be secure enough internally to ease any privacy concerns.

Vivaldi has experienced some problems with allowing VPNs in the past, resulting in some users not being able to use a VPN, but the newest Vivaldi build works with them. With some browser alternatives not permitting VPN use or being spotty with their effectiveness, this is welcome news to security-savvy Web users, who understand the numerous benefits of using a VPN.

In addition to these three standout benefits, other unique features – like built-in email, customizable stacked tags, increased bookmark efficiency and note-taking/screenshot abilities – make Vivaldi an understandable point of interest among more active Web users. Vivaldi is targeted toward Web browsing power users in a sense, though many of these features may emerge in the coming years as more commonplace.

Have you given Vivaldi a try? Tell us what you thought of it in the comments section below!

Image by Viktor Hanacek