The browser is now expanding to another platform

Dec 22, 2021 12:00 GMT  ·  By

Vivaldi has just announced support for Android Automotive, therefore becoming the first browser to be available in a car powered by Google’s operating system.

The application can already be downloaded from the Google Play Store in a Polestar 2, as Vivaldi has teamed up with the Swedish premium electric car manufacturer specifically to make this project happen.

Given it’s specifically aimed at drivers, the browser can only be used when the car is not in motion, though the audio streaming will continue even if you start driving. The video is obviously blocked to prevent distraction behind the wheel.

Vivaldi says it tried to bring the Android browsing experience to Android Auto, and this is the reason you’re also getting signature features like tabbed browsing.

“Developed for Polestar 2 by the Vivaldi team in Norway, the app brings full browser functionality to the 11-inch center display with Android Automotive OS in the car and functions similarly to how it would on a mobile device – with tabbed browsing, streaming ability, online shopping and top security measures. The Vivaldi browser is built around flexibility and features a built-in ad blocker, privacy-friendly translation tool, notes function, tracking protection, and encrypted sync functionality,” the company says.

Easily one of the best browsers around

No data is stored by the car, and Vivaldi says it doesn’t share any information with Polestar.

Vivaldi is right now one of the best browsers on the desktop, and despite not having the same market share as the likes of Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, it’s an application that sports an impressive lineup of features and privacy controls.

Vivaldi on Android is also one of the best browsers on Google’s mobile operating system, and the frequent updates it receives only improve the experience even further. Without a doubt, its debut on Android Automotive will increase the overall market share, as the sync features allow users to have their data roaming across devices in a very convenient manner.