The Vivaldi browser introduces a customizable immersive mode that I wish Safari or Chrome would provide.

      Vivaldi 7.9 introduces a customizable immersive mode, enhanced tab tiling, and greater control over your browser layout.

      Vivaldi is redefining the browsing experience for users seeking fewer distractions. The latest version, 7.9, features an immersive mode that allows for more personalization compared to popular browsers like Safari or Chrome.

      New features enhance distraction-free browsing in Vivaldi.

      The browser introduces a UI Auto-hide option, which makes the entire interface disappear while you navigate and reappears instantly when the cursor is moved to the screen's edge.

      What’s particularly beneficial is that Vivaldi gives you the choice of what to hide. You can choose to hide just the tab bar, solely the address bar, or conceal everything, including panels and toolbars. You can activate this feature with a shortcut or via the settings, and it adjusts based on your usage instead of restricting you to a single mode.

      You can also use keyboard shortcuts Cmd F10 or Ctrl F11 to toggle UI Auto-hide or access it through the icon in the Status Bar. All settings are located under Settings > Appearance > UI Auto-hide.

      Vivaldi combines immersive mode with a feature known as Follower Tab. When you open a link using this feature, it opens next to your current page rather than replacing it.

      Any new links you click will continue to open in that side panel while your original page remains unchanged. Additionally, it offers flexibility through keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures, allowing you to perform this action smoothly without interrupting your workflow.

      The update also enhances split view or tab tiling, making it simpler to view multiple pages side by side. You can more easily manage layouts and adjust how tabs occupy space, which is useful for work or cross-site comparisons.

      Furthermore, Vivaldi Mail has received an update. The composer can now open in a separate window, allowing you to draft emails alongside your inbox or on a different screen.

      You can effortlessly switch between rich text and plain text with a toggle, and performance enhancements are included for larger inboxes. Vivaldi 7.9 is now available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

      What makes Vivaldi superior to Chrome and Safari?

      If you’re accustomed to Chrome or Safari, you might find their full-screen modes quite basic. Both browsers typically obscure interface elements with limited customization options, leaving no choice regarding what remains visible. Vivaldi distinguishes itself by allowing users to tailor their immersive mode to suit their workflow.

      This level of customization extends to multitasking as well. While Chrome and Safari support several tabs, they lack the built-in, adaptable tiling offered by Vivaldi. To recreate the same experience, users often rely on extensions or manual window management. Additionally, Vivaldi includes a built-in VPN through its collaboration with Proton, providing enhanced privacy without the necessity for an external application.

      The latest update of Vivaldi continues to expand upon its commitment to personalization. The browser is a tool that adjusts to your requirements, rather than forcing you to adapt to it. If you've ever wished for a more unobtrusive browsing experience, this update comes remarkably close.

      Manisha covers technology that influences daily life, ranging from smartphones and apps to gaming and streaming.

      Google is preparing to launch the Gemini AI app for Mac, featuring Desktop Intelligence.

      The forthcoming app may enable Gemini to directly interact with Mac applications for more tailored interactions.

      Google is enhancing its AI capabilities on desktop with a new Gemini app for Mac that is currently being tested and could introduce a significant feature known as Desktop Intelligence. According to Bloomberg's report, Google has commenced private testing of an initial version of the Gemini app for select users. This initiative forms part of a larger effort to more directly compete with desktop AI applications like ChatGPT and Claude, which already provide native Mac support.

      The present version is still in the early stages and lacks all intended features, but the testing indicates that Google is aiming for a prompt launch. For the time being, Mac users can primarily access Gemini through the web, so a dedicated app could greatly enhance the user experience.

      If you've ever expressed frustration at an AI chatbot for forgetting your statements, there’s a chance to earn money by "bullying" AI.

      A startup called Memvid is offering $800 for one day of work focused solely on confronting AI chatbots. The role is as unconventional as it sounds; you will spend 8 hours engaging with chatbots, prompting them to remember information, observing their failures, and repeating questions. Your task is to document every frustrating cycle and detail whenever the AI forgets context.

      Microsoft's PowerToys 0.98 includes three essential updates for your Windows PC.

      Microsoft has launched PowerToys version 0.98.0, a significant update to the widely used Windows productivity toolkit. This release features a redesigned Keyboard Manager, a new Command Palette Dock, and enhancements to the CursorWrap experience for users with multiple monitor setups.