After five years of searching, a well-known tech editor has finally found a new default browser across all his devices. In his latest newsletter, he announced that he has switched to Vivaldi 8.0, a browser that combines speed, deep customization, and—for the first time—a clean, appealing design out of the box. The move marks a significant shift from Arc, which had been his previous go-to, and it signals a resurgence of interest in alternative browsers that prioritize user control over simplicity.
Why Vivaldi 8.0?
Vivaldi has long been a favorite among power users for its extensive customization options. The new 8.0 release builds on that foundation with a redesigned interface that is both modern and approachable. The editor notes that while he always appreciated Vivaldi’s speed and organizational tools—like tab stacking, web panels, and a built-in note-taking feature—its previous visual design felt clunky and outdated. The update addresses that, offering a cleaner look that doesn’t sacrifice functionality.
Customization remains a core strength. Users can modify virtually every aspect of the browser, from the toolbar layout to mouse gestures and keyboard shortcuts. The editor suggests budgeting a significant amount of time to tweak settings to personal taste, but promises the effort is worthwhile. For those who want a browser that adapts to how they work—rather than forcing them to adapt—Vivaldi 8.0 is now a top contender.
Star Wars Returns to Theaters
The newsletter also highlights the release of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, the latest big-screen adventure in the galaxy far, far away. While critical reception has been mixed (as is often the case with Star Wars projects), the editor expresses genuine excitement for the return of the beloved characters to a theater near him. The film continues the story of the Mandalorian and his adorable Force-sensitive companion, Grogu, and promises the same blend of action, humor, and heart that made the Disney+ series a phenomenon. For fans, it’s a chance to enjoy the spectacle on the largest possible screen.
Two Must-Read Tech Books
This week’s recommendations include two notable tech books. Steve Jobs in Exile by Geoff Cain offers a fresh perspective on the Apple co-founder by focusing on the years he spent away from Apple, building NeXT and Pixar. The book covers Jobs' personal transformation during that period—a time of failure, reflection, and eventual triumph. It’s a deeply researched narrative that sheds new light on a well-documented life.
Complementing that is How to Rule the World, written by a Stanford student who examines the unique culture of his university and its symbiotic relationship with Silicon Valley. The book digs into the 'bizarre and problematic' aspects of that world—the intense ambition, the ethical gray areas, and the unshakeable belief in technology's power to change everything. It offers a timely critique of the pipeline that feeds the industry's most influential companies.
Anker’s Surprising Earbuds
Audio enthusiasts might be interested in the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds. According to the editor’s colleague, these earbuds deliver the best call quality of any pair he has ever used. Priced similarly to Apple’s AirPods, they represent a strong alternative for anyone who takes a lot of phone calls. Anker has steadily built a reputation for high-quality audio at reasonable prices, and the Liberty 5 Pro seems to uphold that tradition.
Other Recommendations in This Week’s Drop
The newsletter includes a rich assortment of other picks. The documentary series Age of Audio: The Inside Story of Podcasting provides a fascinating history of the medium, featuring interviews with legendary podcasters. A recent companion documentary is also now available. For gamers, Forza Horizon 6 offers an ultra-realistic driving experience set in gorgeous Japanese landscapes—a game that can be both high-octane racing and a relaxing Sunday drive.
Apple Shortcuts power users will appreciate the MacStories Shortcuts Playground, which uses AI (Claude Code or Codex) to generate custom shortcuts from simple descriptions. It’s a tool that makes workflow automation accessible to everyone, not just programming experts. The platform also released a large set of pre-built shortcuts, many of which are 'extremely cool.'
Crowdsourced Picks from the Community
The newsletter’s readers shared their own discoveries this week. One reader found an Oculus Go at a thrift store for $10 and uses it mainly for YouTube, noting that even older VR devices can still offer value. Another reader praised the Stickerbox, a simple AI-powered sticker maker that delights children without requiring a subscription. A listener recommended the audiobook A Man on the Moon by Andrew Chaikin, which provided motivation during runs with its gripping account of the Apollo 11 mission. Others mentioned experiments with Google Docs alternatives like Writer and Ellipsus, as well as the search for a Gmail replacement.
Headphone fans reported satisfaction with the Sony WH-1000XM5, describing the sound quality as 'incredibly professional.' A clever travel cable—the Allroundo Eco from Vonmahlen—won praise for including USB-C, USB-A, microSD, and Lightning adapters in a compact case. Readers also recommended the Red Rising series (currently on book six), the music discovery app Record Club (billed as the Letterboxd for music), and a rewatch of the animated series Scavengers Reign before it leaves Netflix. Meanwhile, a standing Monday-night gaming session with Diablo IV has been revitalized by the new Lord of Hatred expansion.
A Final Note on Late Night TV
The newsletter closes with a reflection on the end of Stephen Colbert’s run on The Late Show. The editor notes a silver lining: the reunion of the Strike Force Five podcast, a five-host late-night podcast created during the writers’ strike of 2023. The group came together for one final episode to celebrate Colbert’s career, and the editor describes it as 'predictably delightful.' He even jokes about wearing a suit for future podcast recordings, though the practicality of doing so in a basement studio remains questionable.
Source: The Verge News