Vivaldi on Android in Desktop Mode
Some Android phone brands, such as Pixel and Samsung with newer Android versions, allow you to connect the device to an external display, keyboard and mouse to create a desktop-style browsing experience. It’s generally referred to as Desktop Mode, but may differ depending on the brand. For example, on Samsung devices, the feature is called DeX.
Enable Desktop Mode
To start using Desktop Mode, you need either a USB-C hub/adapter and/or Bluetooth devices to connect your phone to an external display (e.g. a monitor or a TV), keyboard and mouse.
To enable Desktop Mode:
- Connect your phone with cables or wirelessly to the external display and accessories.
- If prompted on the phone’s screen, select Desktop / Extended display mode.
Features
On the larger display, you’ll be able to use the tablet version of Vivaldi on Android. Websites will mostly be displayed in the desktop version as well.
If you’re using a mouse, and want to open a context menu, instead of right-clicking on the item, you may need to click the left mouse button and hold it down as if long-pressing the screen on a touch screen. Similarly, to drag things, you may need to hold down the mouse button shortly before being able to drag, for example a tab or a Speed Dial.
Keyboard Shortcuts
What gives Vivaldi in Desktop Mode an even bigger desktop feel is support of Keyboard Shortcuts. For example, open a new tab with Ctrl + T, focus on the Address Field with Ctrl + L, and close the tab with Ctrl + W.
To view available Keyboard Shortcuts on the system level, while the external keyboard is connected, go to Android Settings > System / General Management > Physical Keyboard > View Keyboard Shortcuts.
Windows
Another great desktop-like feature that’s available on Desktop Mode is the option to have desktop-style windows that can be resized and tiled. See how you can work with them below, but note that the available options may vary on different desktop environments.
To open a new window, either:
- Open the
Vivaldi menu and select New Window. - Click on Vivaldi in the top left corner of the browser window and select New window.
- Long-press on the Vivaldi icon on the Taskbar and select
New Window.
To view and manage your open windows, either:
- Open the Vivaldi menu and select Manage Windows.
- Click on Vivaldi in the top left corner of the browser window and select Manage Windows.
- Long-press on the Vivaldi icon on the Taskbar and select
Manage Windows.
Like on desktop, you can resize and maximize them. And, while there’s no option to tile tabs side-by-side in a single browser window, you can place windows next to each other for a tiled view.