Vivaldi has released version 8.3 for desktop and mobile platforms, featuring a redesigned ad and tracker blocker. Users can now select from four protection levels: disabled, basic, enhanced, and maximum. These settings can be customized on a per-site basis, allowing users to adjust security levels for specific services like online banking.
The updated blocker is built directly into the browser, eliminating the need for third-party extensions. Advanced users can also import custom filter lists via files or URLs. This update aims to provide more granular control over privacy and data collection across different websites.
Desktop users gain new interface features, including an auto-expanding vertical tab bar and compact pinned tabs. The browser now supports opening multiple links simultaneously and includes a feature to strip tracking parameters from copied URLs. Additionally, the reader mode has been optimized for faster performance.
Mobile improvements vary by platform. On iOS, the developer reports that page loading speeds are up to 12 times faster with blocking enabled, while also reducing battery consumption. Android users benefit from enhanced media playback controls, better tab group management, and the ability to open websites directly in installed apps.
