Are you or your teen A Smartphone Addict?

How long could you go without checking your Smartphone? How about your teen?

On any given day you will notice people so engrossed with their phones that they are missing the world around them. If you have teens, chances are you witness this phenomena on a daily basis. There might be times that leave you questioning if your teen is addicted to her Smartphone.

Alcoholism and drug addictions are often the first images to spring to mind when people think about addiction- not Smartphones. However, people are easily addicted to a variety of stimulants that go beyond illegal substances. Shedding light on teen Smartphone addictions will help address this serious issue facing our society.

What Is Smartphone Addiction?

Recently, there has been a lot of research regarding electronics and the impact they have on our brain activity. A lot of people view Smartphone addiction as something to joke about, but it is a problem that many people suffer from. Scientists also claim there may be a genetic variation that enables some people to be prone to these types of addictions.

Scientifically, Smartphone addiction is known as nomophobia. It essentially boils down to the fear of being without your phone. Smartphone addiction is often fueled by “Internet Use Disorder” or “IUD”. The American Psychiatric Association claim that a person suffering from “IUD will experience ‘preoccupation’ with the internet” and suffer from withdrawal if the Internet is removed. Smartphones allow continuous mobile access to the Internet, which leads to cementing Internet addiction in people.

People with IUD have measurable changes in their brains. The connections between the cells and regions that “control attention, executive control, and emotion processing” are impacted. These changes mirror what happens in the brain connections of people who are addicted to chemical substances like cocaine.

Other studies have measured changes in how “the brain’s dopamine system operates”. Dopamine is a product of our body that is responsible for “allowing us to experience pleasure and reward”. Researchers are starting to notice a correlation between people who suffer from Internet disorders. The addicts may have less dopamine receptors in parts of their brain or their dopamine functions might be compromised.

Adults and teens alike enjoy their cell phones, creating an epidemic of distracted friends and families. Teens rely on their devices for a majority of their communications and updates from friends. This generation has never known a world without a cell phone.

They embrace their phones to check weather forecasts, news, bank accounts, concert schedules, homework assignments, and more by using social media or Internet apps with their Smartphones. Your teen may spend countless hours texting or scrolling, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your teen is a Smartphone addict.

According to the Pew’s Internet Research Project over 90% of Americans own a cell phone with a whopping 58% owning Smartphones. If those numbers aren’t startling, consider that the Pew research shows:

• “67% of cell owners check their phone for messages, alerts, or calls — even when they don’t notice the phone ringing or vibrating.”  
• “44% of cell owners have slept with their phone next to their bed because they wanted to make sure they didn’t miss any calls, text messages, or other updates during the night.”
• “29% of cell owners describe their cell phone as ‘something they can’t imagine living without’.”

“Cell-phones have become inextricably woven into our daily lives — an almost invisible driver of modern life,” James Roberts, a professor at Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, stated about his study of 164 college students and their cell phone relationships.

He went on to say, “It is incumbent upon researchers to identify the all-important ‘tipping point’ where cell-phone use crosses the line from a helpful tool to one that enslaves both users and society alike.”

Warning Signs Your Teen Has A Problem

“Computer technologies can be addictive, because they’re “psychoactive.” That is, they alter mood and often trigger enjoyable feelings,” noted David Greenfield, psychologist and author of Virtual Addiction: Help for Netheads, Cyber Freaks, and Those Who Love Them.

Smartphones offer the capabilities to fuel enjoyable feelings by rewarding us with constant updates anytime or anyplace. If a teen is truly suffering from Smartphone addiction, similar to other addictions, they will begin to build up tolerances to the fast paced texts and apps on their Smartphones.

Anxiety, restless nights, and focusing on getting the next “fix” are common symptoms of addiction. An addicted teen will crave more Smartphone interactions to achieve the same thrill or “high”. A few behaviors can often signal when a teen’s Smartphone fascination has bridged from recreational use to addicted status.

Listed below are warning signs to watch for if you suspect your teen is a Smartphone addict:

• uncomfortable withdrawal when they are not allowed to use their Smartphone
• weight loss
• insomnia
• anxiety
• feelings of “phantom vibrations”
• isolation from friends and family

In our digital age, it is almost impossible to avoid using the Internet or apps on a Smartphone. Many people compare Smartphone addiction to food addiction, because people need to eat food to survive and many people need technology to function in the modern world. Many classrooms, jobs, utility companies, and social groups rely on technology and Internet access. Technology surrounds us.

It is hard to break the cycle of addiction, when you need the stimulant to survive. If your teen exhibits atypical behaviors and warning signs that they are a Smartphone addict, you will need to explore solutions to help loosen technology’s grip on your teen.

Many recovering addicts and professionals will admit that the first step in dealing with a problem is to admit you are addicted. Now that a problem has been defined, you can seek ways to manage the addiction. Find techniques that can help reduce a teen’s vulnerability to the rapid onslaught for the hyper connectivity Smartphones offer.

Here are a few suggestions to help your teen Smartphone addict:

• Create “no phone” zones. Deposit phones by the door or charging station to limit phone use while in the home. You may consider allowing phones in common areas, but forbid phones in bedrooms, bathrooms, or other private areas.
• Reclaim family dinners. Encourage everyone to silence their phones during meal times. Talk with each other and enjoy the family camaraderie over dinner. Small breaks from cell phones can help curb addictions.
• Designate certain periods of the day to access social media or text. If your teen is a Smartphone addict, he may struggle limiting his usage. Enforce a house rule that allows access during certain times. An example is allowing your teen to use his Smartphone during the hours of 4-7 or shutting down at 9 every night.
• Ban phones while driving or walking. Safety first.
• Monitor a teen’s cell phone activity.  Be upfront and tell your teen that you will bemonitoring his usage and holding him accountable for his time online.
• Seek out Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Addictions are hard to beat, especially when the stimulant surrounds a person on a daily basis. Professional counselors and therapists can support addicts overcome temptations without creating a family tension.

Addictions Are No Laughing Matter

The next time a ringtone alerts you to an incoming message, consider the amount of time you spend on your phone everyday. You are modeling behavior that your teen will duplicate or notice. Smartphone addictions may appear trivial and superficial, but a teen Smartphone addict can suffer serious consequences if the addiction is not addressed.

When Should I Buy My Child A Smartphone?

February 23, 2015 by Amy Williams Leave a Comment

The majority of children born today will have access to mobile smart devices early on in their lives. Parents are constantly questioning how young is too young? When should I buy my child a smartphone or tablet? With digital devices being a relatively new introduction into our day-to-day lives, it’s hard to tell how they will affect our children’s development in the long-term. But studies are already underway, and experts have drawn some conclusions to help parents make these tough decisions.

Though each child will experience technology in a different way, this infographic “When Should I Buy My Child A Smartphone (Or Tablet)?” compiles these general guidelines to help parents get a better sense of when when their child is most likely to succeed and most likely to be hindered by exposure to different types of media and devices.

When do you think you’ll buy your child their first device? How soon is too soon to teach your child responsible smartphone behavior? Read more to find out!

Smart Phone Addiction a growing problem for teens

Guest Blog By: Amy Williams

Many people envision the stereotypical substance abuse, gambling, or obsessive compulsive disorders. People tend to pigeonhole dependencies into extreme categories and often overlook the very real addiction that can be caused by Smartphones. 

Addictions can be debilitating and wreak havoc on a person’s family and professional life. Something as simple as texting or checking a game can quickly become a real problem if it interferes with how a person functions in their daily activities. The stark reality is that people can become addicted to a Smartphone.

The Signs of Smartphone Addiction

In this day and age, it is hard not to rely on technology and all the conveniences it offers. Smartphones have simplified our lives, but they have nurtured our dependency on vibrations, soft glows, and instant messages. There is even a name describing this phenomena, nomophobia.

This raises the question, “Is it possible to be addicted to a Smartphone?”

The answer is yes. Smartphone addictions fall under the category of behavioral addictions. You can find gambling, eating, shopping, and many more compulsive addictions in this category. The American Society of Addiction Medicine notes that behavioral addictions can produce similar feelings to drug addictions. These emotions can take on the role of producing highs, tolerance, and withdrawal.

If you feel that you know someone or that you might be suffering from a Smartphone addiction, here are a few questions to answer:

- Do they find it hard to go a few minutes without looking at their phone?
Have they have perfected hiding their phone under tables and in their pockets to sneak in a text?

- Do they seem anxious or overwhelmed with worry when they aren’t near their Smartphone?

- Will they grab for their phone the minute they wake up and it’s the last thing they see before falling asleep?

Smartphone addiction affects many people from all across the globe. Over 1.8 billion people own Smartphones and one study found the average owner checks their screen 150 times a day. Considering those numbers, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when 44% of people admit feeling anxious when they can’t access their phone.

Hanging Up: Smartphone Interventions

Thankfully, we aren’t left to our own devises as we jones for one more peek at Social Media, just a little more data, or a frantic search to hijack a wi-fi signal. Scientists have been compiling data and formulating some suggestions to help modern families avoid the pitfalls of Smartphone addiction.

Listed below are a few techniques to help lessen the lure of a phone:

Set aside time once a day that they can just use their Smartphone. Browse Social Media, message friends, or snap a few photos. Limiting interactions to this special hour allows addicts to reclaim the rest of her day for other activities.
Create “no phone zones”. Designate certain areas of the house (bedrooms, bathrooms, and the dinner table) off limits to technology and phones.
Avoid using phones before bed or storing your phone by the bed. The light interrupts the natural rhythms of sleep and ringtones can interfere with a good night’s rest.

Dialing Back Control

A lot of people might make an offhand comment about someone, usually teens or young adults, being addicted to their Smartphones. These phrases and remarks might be laughed at or stated for a sense of amusement. However, addiction can be a very scary term and is not something to be joked about.

Our phones reward us with information at the tap of a finger and allow us to communicate on a grand scale. However, by dialing back on Smartphone usage, people can reclaim valuable freedom and personal interactions. By acknowledging the real threat of addiction, it is possible to avoid the consequences of overusing your phone.

---

and Finally Remember:

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
- Matthew 7:7-8

How to Download and Install Android 6.0 Marshmallow on Google Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, and Nexus Player

Google has announced the rollout of Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which means that eligible Nexus devices will get it via an OTA update soon. Some manufacturers such as Motorola might ensure that the update reaches your phone sometime soon, but most people will have to wait for quite some time to get this update.

However, if you are lucky enough to own a Nexus smartphone or tablet, you can manually download and install Android 6.0 Marshmallow on your device. We still recommend the OTA update but if you can't wait, then try this method at your own risk, after you backup all your data.

(Also see: Six Superb Android 6.0 Marshmallow Features)

Android 6.0 Marshmallow is currently available for the following devices - Nexus 6, Nexus 5, Nexus 9 Wi-Fi, Nexus 9 Cellular, Nexus 7 (2013) Wi-Fi, Nexus 7 (2013) Cellular, and Nexus Player.. Here's how to manually install Android 6.0 Marshmallow on these devices.

1) Download and install the latest Android Studio Preview on your Windows computer. This installs the ADB and Fastboot programmes, which can be accessed through the command terminal on your PC.

2) Add the SDK folder to the PATH by following these steps:

3) Right click My Computer and click on Properties.

4) Click on Advanced System Settings.

5) Click on System Properties > Advanced > Environment Variables.

6) In the Window, select Path, then click on Edit, and then type in the name of the directory where you installed the SDK, and remember that each entry is separated by a semi-colon.

7) Enable USB debugging on your device. First, go to Settings > About Phone > Software information.

8) Tap Build number seven times.

9) Go to Settings > Developer options. Tick USB debugging.

10) Download the correct factory image for your device.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Nexus 5

Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Nexus 6

Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi

Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Nexus 7 2013 3G

Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Nexus 9 Wi-Fi

Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Nexus 9 LTE

Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Nexus Player

11) Extract the image on your computer. This should give you a tar archive file. Extract the tar file to get all the required files.

12) Connect your device to your computer over USB.

13) Start the device in fastboot mode.

The easiest way to do this is to hold a key combination while powering up the device. For Nexus 5, hold the volume up, volume down and power buttons while powering on the device. The full list of key combinations for different devices is here.

You can also boot into fastboot mode using the ADB tool: With the device powered on, go to the command terminal and execute the following: adb reboot bootloader

If needed, unlock the device's bootloader through your computer using the command terminal and executing: fastboot oem unlock

1) Open a command terminal and navigate to the unzipped system image directory.

2) Execute flash-all.bat, which was a part of the unzipped tar file. This script installs the necessary bootloader, baseband firmware(s), and operating system. For this to work, you need to have added the folder where ADB and Fastboot are installed to the system's path as described in step 2.

3) When this is done, Google recommends that you lock the bootloader for security. You can do that by booting the device in fastboot mode while still connected via USB, and using the command terminal to execute: fastboot oem lock.

That will install Android 6.0 Marshmallow on your Nexus device.

Eight Simple Tips to Increase the Battery Life of Your Mobile Device

Most smartphones today pack huge, high-resolution screens, powerful processors and lots of memory to multitask and handle really complex tasks. This also unfortunately means that they struggle to handle a full day's worth of heavy usage, and so power banks are now a must-have accessory.

The same can be said for our laptops, and the need to tether them to the plug point grows as the battery ages. Most of our consumer electronics devices come with Lithium ion and Lithium Poly batteries that are geared for quick recharging, and not for long term life. Often, you're better off replacing your battery instead of upgrading your laptop, because of how quickly the battery ages.

Whether you're using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, here are some general purpose tips on prolonging its lifecycle and usage between recharge cycles.

1) Keep it cool

Exposing the battery to high temperatures can be more stressful than cycling. According to Battery University, which runs an extensive array of battery tests - cycling, elevated temperature and ageing decrease the performance of your battery over time. Keeping your devices in a cool environment (battery dwelling above 30°C (86°F) is considered elevated temperature) will certainly enhance the lifecycle of your device.

In the testing, capacity dropped to 60 percent when exposed to 60-degree temperature for three months, and 65 percent when the temperature was 40-degrees. For this reason, don't expose your gadgets to heat like leaving them bake in the sun inside a car.

(Also see: How to Prolong the Battery Life of Your Smartphone, Tablet, and Laptop)

It's also a good reason to worry about heating issues on a smartphone, as it can plunge the battery life quite drastically over time. On a laptop, you should look at using a cooling pad to make sure the CPU vent is being vented away. Exposure to dust can clog vents and make your fans run on overtime, leading to an additional resource burden, so keep the environment clean and dust free.

2) Go for paid apps, instead of free ones

Ad-supported apps reduce battery life by 2.5 to 2.1 hours on average, a study conducted by US-based researchers revealed. To quote the study, a phone's processor is like its brain - and ads eat up a lot of that brain power, slowing it down.

Not all free apps are draining your battery, but if you're seeing advertising on it then assume it comes with a bandwidth and processing burden. Spending a bit on apps might pay off handsomely, considering some apps are available for as low as Rs. 10 on both Google Play and the App Store.

(Also Read: 10 Best Paid Android Apps)

On a laptop, running a local application to do something like text editing will consume less battery than firing up your browser and using an online resource. So, if you're not using it, turn your Wi-Fi connection off - on a Windows PC this is as simple as pressing Fn+F2 on the keyboard. The exact function key can vary, depending on the device manufacturer, so just look for a key with a Wi-Fi symbol next to it.

3) Turn off location tracking 

According to a recent news report, the Facebook app drains the battery of iPhone users as it's constantly tracking the user's location using the GPS module. Turning off location tracking for apps that don't need your location will certainly help.

In most Android devices, you can head to Settings > Location, and toggle it off to disable location tracking entirely. The functionality to set app level permissions is only enabled in Android M.

On iOS 9, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and turn it off on a per-app basis, leaving location access on for just important apps, if you really need to.

4) Partial recharges are better than full-depth recharges 

Another invaluable trip from Battery University can be explained with the metaphor of a running a marathon. Instead of letting your battery cycle all the way from 100 percent capacity down to zero, keeping the depth of discharge to 50 percent of your battery capacity, between 30 and 80 percent can increase the number of discharge cycles by three times.

(Also see: Five Simple Tips to Increase the Life of Your Phone's Battery - From the Guys Who Built It)

Lenovo internalises this principle in its Battery Maintenance settings in the Power Manager bundled with their laptops, which can be customised to power plans that best suit your needs. To optimise for many years of usage, Lenovo recommends you set the charge threshold to start at 40 percent capacity, and stop at 50 percent.

5) Turn down display brightness

This is an obvious tip that applies to both laptops and mobile devices. On most devices, brightness settings are easily accessible, and you can also apply screen dimming techniques through third party apps like Lux, which overlays an opaque graphic to reduce brightness and change the colour cast of the screen.

However, a software layer only saves power on OLED screens, while LCD screens can only save power by decreasing backlight brightness.

Reducing the amount of time your display stays on while inactive can also save a fractional amount of battery life. In Android, this can be accessed in Settings > Display. On iOS, Settings > General > Auto-Lock lets you tweak this setting.

On a Windows laptop, right-click on the battery icon and click on Power Options. Change the setting toPower Saver to maximise battery life - Windows will lower the brightness, and change the standby and other settings to prioritise battery usage instead of performance.

6) Schedule app updates over Wi-Fi or when you are plugged in

In general, anything that is processor or bandwidth intensive is likely to consume a lot of CPU power. For the best standby times it's best to be stationary, and sipping on a Wi-Fi than your data plan. For this reason, it's best to schedule app updates to happen only over Wi-Fi, or if your device supports it, while you are plugged in.

This setting can be accessed in Play Store app on Android. Launch the app, then open the menu by swiping in from the left side of the screen. Go to Settings > Auto-update apps, and select Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only. On an iPhone or iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular, go to Settings > iTunes & App Store and turn Use Cellular Data off.

7) Turn on low power mode

Not all Android phones have battery saver mode, but if you're on Android 5.0 or later (Lollipop) then you are likely have this feature. It automatically kicks in when your battery hits 15 percent, and disables background app refreshes, location tracking, and other syncing activity to save on battery life. With Android Marshmallow, a new feature called Doze puts your phone in deep sleep mode when it's lying unused for a long time. This feature is apparently doubling standby times. Unfortunately, if you're on an older phone, then you won't get the feature.

(Also Read: Six Android 6.0 Marshmallow Features You Should Be Looking Forward To)

With iOS 9, iPhones have a Low Power Mode that cuts down on background refreshes, visual effects, and automatic downloads. This can be accessed in Settings > Battery.

(Also Read: 20 Awesome Hidden Features of iOS 9)

If you're using an older Android phone, then your phone's manufacturer might have included its own Low Power mode feature - on Sony phones for example, it's called Stamina Mode, while HTC calls it Extreme Power Mode. There are also third-party apps you can try, though in our experience, the built-in apps are more effective. 

8) Discover flight mode

The phone's distance to a cellular tower is known to affect standby time as well. So, if you're in a place with no network, it's best to turn your smartphone into Airplane mode (called Flight mode on some devices) to conserve battery life, rather than let your phone constantly seek a tower.

Follow these tips and you'll find that your phone will last a little longer between recharges - and the fewer recharge cycles you put it through in a day the longer the overall battery life will be. Have some more tips and tricks of your own to share?

Amazon Diwali Sale: iPhone 6s, MacBook Pro, and Other Offers

 

In case you missed the earlier online festive season sales, the Amazon Great Indian Diwali Sale is back. You'll find offers across all categories on Amazon from 26th to 28th October. We've got the best deals in technology from the first day of the Amazon Diwali sale right here.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of the Amazon Great Indian Diwali Sale:

1) Almost all decent deals would be a part of Lightning Deals. This means a limited set of products will be available at a special price and you'll have just 15 minutes to checkout.

2) In case you miss a Lightning Deal, it's always wise to join the waitlist.

3) Most Lightning Deals are renewed once they end, so make sure you don't give up easily.

4) Use a Citibank card to make a payment to get an additional cashback of 10% on the items available during Amazon Great Indian Diwali Sale (maximum cashback of Rs. 1750).

1. Apple iPhone 6S

Apple's iPhone 6S may have been the most expensive iPhone ever launched in the country, but hasn't stopped fan boys and girls from grabbing one on day zero. In case you're one of those who waited for the dust to settle, Amazon is selling select variants in 16GB and 64GB models at a discount.

You can grab the iPhone 6S 16GB silver and gold for as low as Rs. 56,000 and the 64GB variant in silver for Rs. 66,000 as part of the Amazon Great Indian Diwali Sale. This is the lowest possible price till now, without a cashback offer. In case you pay using a Citibank card till 28th, you can also grab another Rs. 1750 off in the form of a cashback. The 16GB space grey variant is down to Rs. 55,990. All these are Fulfilled by Amazon listings so you can be rest assured they will be genuine units and the returns would be a lot easier if they aren't.

Note: Please select Phone only option on the product listing page at Amazon. These discounts are not applicable on phones that ship with bundled Vodafone offers.

Price: Starting from Rs. 55,990 (MRP Rs. 62,000)

Link: Amazon

2. JBL Flip 3 portable wireless speaker

The JBL Flip 3 portable speaker is available as part of Amazon Great Indian Diwali Sale at a discounted price of Rs. 7,999 for a limited time. The portable speaker supports Bluetooth connectivity, and can handle a few splashes of water. Remember, it's not completely water proof though. There's an in-built battery worth 3,000mAh that can last up to 10 hours on a full charge. There's a microphone on the speaker that can allow you to make and receive phone calls while your smartphone is paired with the speaker. JBL claims you can clean the speaker under a running tap but just don't submerge it.

Price: Rs. 7,999 (MRP Rs. 8,990)

Link: Amazon

3. Boat MFi certified Lightning cable

Apple's default Lightning cables are known to be highly sensitive. If you end up breaking yours in months, get this Boat Lightning cable at Rs. 999 (MRP Rs. 1499) as part of Amazon Great Indian Diwali Sale. The cable is MFi certified which means it will be compatible with all devices that have a Lightning port. The biggest USP of this cable is its build quality. It includes a metal braided skin which can take care of day to day wear and tear without any issues. The cable is also almost tangle-free and a great one at this price.

Price: Rs. 999 (MRP Rs. 1499)

Link: Amazon

4. Micromax 40-inch full HD LED TV

Missed out on the VU LED TV deal on Flipkart during the Big Billion Day sale? The Micromax 40-inch full HD LED TV is now available at a sweet price of Rs. 20,990 (MRP Rs. 39,990). The TV normally retails at a price point of around Rs. 22,500. If you are in the market for a big-screen TV that comes at a budget, the Micromax 40-inch LED TV won't disappoint you. It comes with with one year warranty along with an additional two-year extended warranty if you buy before 15 November. It comes with two HDMI ports and two USB ports.

Price: Rs. 20,990 (MRP Rs. 39,990)

Link: Amazon

5. Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch

The Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch with a 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM is now available at a discounted price of Rs. 92,999 (MRP Rs. 109,900) as part of Amazon Great Indian Diwali Sale for a limited time only. The MacBook Pro 13-inch is powered by Intel Core i5 processor, supported by 8GB of RAM. It comes with Apple's new Force Touch trackpad which offers multiple gesture driven controls. The MacBook Pro will run OS X Yosemite out of the box but you can easily upgrade it to OS X El Capitan via the Mac App Store. If you are in the market for a high-end MacBook that can last the next few years easily, this would be a great purchase.

Price: Rs. 92,999 (MRP Rs. 109,900)

Link: Amazon

6. Apple iPad Air 2 16GB

The iPad Air 2 16GB with Wi-Fi and Cellular is now available for Rs. 40,990 (MRP Rs. 45,900) as part of Amazon Great Indian Diwali Sale Lightning Deals. The cellular variant is useful in case you're planning to take the tablet with out while you're out. The iPad Air 2 comes with a 9.4-inch Retina Display and includes Touch ID to unlock the home screen and pay for purchases using your fingerprints. There's an iSight camera at the back, and a front-facing camera for video calls. The cellular chip supports Indian LTE bands as well as 3G networks in the country.

Price: Rs. 40,990 (MRP Rs. 45,900)

Link: Amazon

Vivaldi Browser Hits Beta;10 Months and 2 Million Downloads Later

Perhaps the world could do without a new Web browser. Google's Chrome, despite being a resource and battery hog, manages to get the work done for most, while Windows 10 continues to help Microsoft Edge be the default browser for millions of users. Jon S. von Tetzchner, co-founder and former CEO of Opera, believes that his Web browser dubbed Vivaldi can compete with the likes ofChrome and find its own user base. Ten months and over two million downloads since the release of Vivaldi's first technical preview in January, Norway-based Vivaldi Technologies announces on Tuesday that its Web browser has grown mature to enter the beta phase of its life. It is available for download by anyone from the company's website.

Vivaldi's beta version label brings with it several features and improved stability, the company tells Gadgets 360. We've been testing the beta version for a week now and can recommend our readers to give it a try. It's fast, it's smooth, and its features are handy. We wouldn't advise you to ditch Chrome,Microsoft Edge, or Safari just yet, but can tell that Vivaldi has what it takes to offer a great browsing experience.

"All the major browsers today focus on having a simple browser out of the box, so they are all going for the same user group," says Tetzchner. "They compete more on distribution than feature set. Our focus is on the more advanced user that wants to be able to do more with their browser and also has opinions about how to interact with it."

The browser comes with a minimalistic interface which users can customise as they see fit. In fact, customisation is one of its strongest suits of Vivaldi. You can customise the placement of the address bar, and also decide the colour of the user interface. The browser offers a range of Quick Commands, keyboard shortcuts and support for mouse gestures - the settings of which can be altered and made additions to in accordance with your personal preference.

"The browser not only has tabs, but also tab stacks and can tile those tab stacks," Tetzchner adds. "This allows you to work more efficiently with a lot of tabs and also with large screens. You can place the tabs on top, on the bottom, left or right. You can place the panel on the left or right. You can place the address bar at the top or bottom. Advanced users want that kind of control and more is coming."

Chromium-based Vivaldi comes with a range of power user features that you wouldn't get on other popular Web browsers. It comes with a built-in content blocker that can strip down ads from a webpage. Users can also change the font and colour of a webpage to suit their reading and working habits without requiring an installation of a third-party extension. Speaking of extensions, Vivaldi offers out-of-the-box support for add-ons available via Chrome Web Store.

The company says the Vivaldi learns from your browsing habits. As we observed, the browser was able to arrange the bookmarks on Speed Dial page on the basis of how frequently we visited a website, something other browsers offer as well. Vivaldi offers several more features, such as the ability to save notes.

"With notes you can grab a piece of text, including where you found it and even take a screenshot," Tetzchner explains, adding, "Our goal is that any user should feel that the browser was designed for him or her individually, after a bit of tweaking."

The company earlier this year promised that it would add Vivaldi Sync, a feature that will allow users to sync their bookmarks, passwords, settings etc across different computers, and M3, a built-in email client. Neither of the features is available in the beta version of the app, however. The company told us that both the features are "very high on" its priority list, but they are not ready for "prime time" as yet. The company also plans to eventually work on Vivaldi for mobile operating systems.