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Can Vivaldi tab tiling replace your current multitasking workflow?
Vivaldi 7.8 Prioritizes Human Agency Over AI Integration
The release of Vivaldi 7.8 marks a deliberate divergence from current industry standards. While major competitors like Chrome, Edge, and Safari invest heavily in generative AI assistants, Vivaldi CEO Jon von Tetzchner has positioned his browser against this trend. The company explicitly rejects “AI slop,” arguing that current browser development focuses on filtering content rather than empowering the user.
Philosophy: The Pilot Versus The Passenger
Vivaldi’s core philosophy in version 7.8 centers on cognitive control. Tetzchner argues that the industry is solving the wrong problem by creating assistants that outsource user judgment. He distinguishes between two user experiences:
- The Passenger: Conventional browsers use algorithms to decide what users see, effectively steering the experience.
- The Pilot: Vivaldi aims to provide tools that enhance exploration, critical thinking, and comparison, placing the user in command.
The objective is to stimulate the brain rather than numb it with automated summaries. Vivaldi builds tools for users who want to retain full autonomy over their digital workflow.
Advanced Multitasking Without Algorithms
The centerpiece of this update is a completely redesigned tab tiling system. This feature relies on practical utility rather than machine learning models. The developers assert that this is the most significant advance in browser multitasking since the introduction of tabs.
Key Feature Improvements:
- Flexible Grid Layouts: Users can create split-screen views by dragging tabs directly into the workspace. Unlike Chrome and Edge, which typically limit split views to two tabs, Vivaldi supports unlimited grid layouts. This benefits professionals who need to monitor live data, compare prices, or reference documentation simultaneously.
- Contextual Navigation: A new “Open link as tiled tab” function allows users to open a link alongside their current page. This preserves the original context, allowing for multitasking that respects the workspace layout.
- Domain-Restricted Pinned Tabs: Pinned tabs now adhere to domain boundaries. An email tab will remain focused on emails, and project management tools will not accidentally navigate away. This prevents the loss of critical workspace context.
- Integrated Email Client: The built-in email client now functions across all windows and workspaces. This integration ensures communication channels remain accessible without requiring window switching.
Privacy and Availability
Vivaldi 7.8 reinforces the company’s commitment to privacy. Developed in Europe, the browser operates without tracking, data sales, or AI agents that intercept user behavior. It remains free and is available immediately for Windows, Mac, and Linux. For users fatigued by the “AI benefits” touted by Big Tech, Vivaldi offers a streamlined, user-controlled alternative.