I guess some of us have been in that situation where we have work to do but get drawn to other things like web notifications, or check your inbox. This really reduces our productivity level, but, Vivaldi web browser now has a solution, it is a feature it rolled out in its latest browser update called “break mode.”
The “break mode” which was introduced in the version 3.3 of the Vivaldi web browser allows users to pause the internet and take a well-deserved breather from the latest online drama, help users maintain an easier and balanced work-life, and help users focus their attention elsewhere.
The feature is triggered by a button in the status bar, using a Vivaldi Quick Command, or by pressing the ctrl + . keyboard shortcut.
When activated break mode pauses and mutes HTML5 audio and videos, and hides all tabs, panels, and on-screen browser chrome to leave the app totally free of any online clutter (though it can’t hide, halt, or hinder any other apps of course).
When ready to dial back into the digital world folks simply “unpause” break mode. This allows everything blocked out to filter back into view so folks can literally pick up where things left off.
Is Vivaldi’s “break mode” a well-meaning gimmick or a genuinely useful productivity salve? It’s certainly less ‘destructive’ an action than, y’know, closing the window… I think I need to spend some time with it to find out if it’s any benefit — but do let me know what you think!
Other features in Vivaldi 3.3 include:
- New ‘blurple’ Private Window theme
- Cropping of the URL in the Address Bar
- Base domain highlighting
- Drag & Drop Speed Dials to folders
- Tracker blocking improvements
- Chromium 85.0.4183.84
Vivaldi is free, closed-source software available for Windows, macOS and Linux (including ARM). You’ll find installers and more details on the Vivaldi website.
Are these productivity-boosting additions enough to get you to switch to the Chromium-based browser? The team behind will certainly be hoping so, so leave your thoughts on these changes down in the comments!
