The latest version of the Vivaldi web browser has just been launched. Version 7.1 brings a host of new personalization options, as well as modifications to default search engines, downloads, and additional functionalities.
This update is currently available. While it will generally download and install automatically on most systems, users can opt for a manual installation if preferred. To do this, just open Vivaldi, then navigate to Menu > Help > Check for Updates.
Notable Features of Vivaldi 7.1
The development team at Vivaldi has integrated an array of new personalization capabilities into the browser. A significant feature enhances the new tab page through newly introduced widgets from version 7.0.
Among the new dashboard elements is a weather widget. Users can easily add it by clicking on the “add a widget” button and selecting the weather option. This allows users to select any global location to check the current weather and the weekly forecast right upon accessing the page.
Moreover, users can now set custom backgrounds for each widget. These backgrounds can be transparent, semi-transparent, solid, or any color of their preference.
Support for Speed Dials remains unchanged, allowing them to be displayed as standalone elements or incorporated within a widget. Vivaldi claims to have streamlined the process of adding new Speed Dials, making it more straightforward to manually enter a site name and title, organize them into folders, or pick a site from frequently visited pages.
Updates to Default Search Engines
Vivaldi has refreshed several default search engines, which may result in users noticing a change in their default search settings. On my test device, this change shifted from Bing to Startpage.
It is important to mention that Vivaldi Technology has specified its partnered search engines, which do not include Google or Bing but rather Startpage, Ecosia, DuckDuckGo, and Qwant.
To adjust search engine preferences, navigate to Menu > Settings > Search. Users can select distinct default search engines for regular browsing, private windows, and image searches.
Other Noteworthy Changes in Vivaldi 7.1
In addition to the personalization enhancements, Vivaldi 7.1 features several important updates under the hood. Here’s a summary:
- For macOS users, Delta updates are now supported, which improves the efficiency of downloading and installing new updates.
- A new functionality allows the importation of open tabs from different browsers when users switch to Vivaldi during the onboarding process.
- Users can now seamlessly share open tabs with other devices that also have Vivaldi installed.
- A feature now automatically generates unique file names for downloaded files from Vivaldi.
- There has been a fix implemented for a previously known issue that caused crash loops.
For an exhaustive changelog and more visuals showcasing the new features, you can check Vivaldi’s official website, where downloads are also available for those interested in exploring the browser.
Vivaldi continues to carve out a unique niche in the web browsing realm by adding more personalization choices. While this strategy may not resonate with everyone, the browser has successfully cultivated a thriving community.
Image Source: T. Schneider / Shutterstock
