Tesla's cars include a web browser, and this used to be a somewhat exclusive feature, but now another manufacturer has stepped up to offer this internet necessity in one of its vehicles as well. Of course, anyone can use a smartphone, tablet, or laptop while riding in a car, so this isn't a unique capability. With large touchscreens becoming more common in vehicles, this might be a trend that expands to more automakers in the future.
Tesla's cars are very high-tech in the world of automobiles, even allowing over-the-air (OTA) updates to the software so new features can be added. A Chromium-based web browser is included in Tesla's computer software and accessible from the touch screen. Chromium is the open-source code that Google's Chrome browser is built upon. While there are hacks and workarounds to install web browsers on Apple Car Play and Android Automotive, that isn't usually possible with these systems.
Vivaldi recently announced that its web browser is now available for the Android Automotive and works with the Volvo subsidiary Polestar's electric car, the Polestar 2. Vivaldi said that Polestar 2 owners could install the app by visiting the Google Play Store and downloading Vivaldi's app for Polestar. Tabs will be automatically synced between the vehicle and the Vivaldi browser in use on any smartphone or computer, making this an excellent way to carry on browsing when moving from the car to the phone or computer. While Tesla's browser allows use while driving, potentially distracting the driver, Vivaldi's implementation for the Polestar 2 will continue playing audio but doesn't allow the use of the browser when the car is moving.
What Is The Vivaldi Browser?
Vivaldi is another browser that's based on Chromium and, like Chrome, adds to that solid core of functionality with enhancements to speed, better privacy controls, and a wide variety of changes to the user interface. Vivaldi was just released for Android Automotive for the Polestar 2, but it has been available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android for several years.
Vivaldi is quite an exciting variation on Chromium, allowing complete customization of nearly every aspect of the browser. There are an enormous number of adjustments possible to how tabs appear and behave, as well as variations to the overall look of the browser window, including changing whether the corners are rounded or sharp. In addition, notes, translations, and screenshot tools are built into the browser, making it a competent research tool. All of these features are available in the Android Automotive app for the Polestar 2, a more customizable experience than Tesla's.
Source: Vivaldi, Vivaldi/Play Store