According to Digital Trends, Vivaldi has released version 7.8 of its browser, putting productivity first with a major upgrade to its tab tiling feature. The new system is built on a drag-and-drop mechanic where users can grab tabs and drop them into the page area to create side-by-side or grid layouts. A key addition is the ability to open links directly into an existing tile, allowing for branching exploration without losing the original page. The update is framed as a deliberate move to make the browser feel like a tool rather than a billboard for AI features. The focus is on speed, flexibility, and maintaining control over complex workflows directly within the tab interface.
Vivaldi’s productivity pivot
Here’s the thing: in a browser landscape obsessed with slapping AI chatbots and “assistants” into every corner, Vivaldi’s move feels almost rebellious. And honestly, it’s refreshing. While everyone else is shouting about AI, Vivaldi is quietly improving the fundamental act of managing information across multiple web pages. This isn’t about generating text or summarizing articles—it’s about the tedious, real work of comparing, referencing, and researching. That’s a genuine pain point for power users, students, and anyone who lives with a dozen tabs open.
Why tab tiling matters
The devil is in the details, and Vivaldi seems to get that. The “open link into tile” feature is a perfect example. It sounds small, but it changes a workflow completely. Ever been deep in a research rabbit hole, clicked a link for context, and then lost your place? This solves that. It keeps your anchor point fixed while letting you explore laterally. That’s a thinking person’s feature. It acknowledges that our work isn’t linear and that our tools should adapt to that chaos, not add to it.
The stakeholder shift
So who wins with this? Clearly, the niche of productivity-focused users who feel overwhelmed by tab sprawl and underwhelmed by AI promises. For developers and the broader market, it’s a reminder that not every innovation needs to be powered by a large language model. Sometimes, better human-computer interaction is the killer app. For enterprises, especially in fields like data analysis, development, or content creation where cross-referencing sources is key, a browser that masters split-view could become a legitimate productivity tool. It’s a play for a dedicated, professional user base that values control over convenience.
A tool, not a billboard
Vivaldi’s stance is its biggest selling point right now. “More control, fewer distractions.” That’s a powerful mantra when digital clutter is the default. Will this convince the Chrome masses to switch? Probably not. But that might not be the point. It’s carving out a space for users who think of their browser as a workbench. The question is whether this focus on utilitarian workflow enhancements can build a sustainable audience. I think it can, because it solves an actual, daily problem. And sometimes, that’s more valuable than the flashiest new AI trick.
