Link to release notes: https://zen-browser.app/release-notes/

I saw that the icon and UI changed, so I looked up the release information. They’re preparing for the first stable release!

If you encounter any issues, please report them on the issues page. Thanks everyone for your feedback! ❤️

This release introduces a new stage for Zen Browser, the beta stage! This means that we are getting closer to a stable release, and we are now focusing on fixing bugs and improving the overall experience. We’ve made some significant changes to the UI, including a new layout for the browser called single toolbar and much more!

Fixes

  • Various fixes in version 20
  • Fix pinned tab state and favicon handling #2853
  • Prevent pins deletion from database on non explicit tab closes (window closing) #2875
  • […]

Features

  • New branding and logos!
  • Updated zen glance animations for smoother transitions and adjust timing (Still in development)
  • Add reset to pinned URL button to pinned tabs
  • Made the URL bar background more rounded
  • Updated to Firefox 133.0
  • Added support for -moz-gtk-csd-reversed-placement on Linux
  • Enhance workspace deactivation styles with grayscale filter for better visibility
  • Windows and linux ARM64 builds are now available on the github for testing!
  • Hide container label when URL bar is narrow
  • Macos ARM64 builds will now ship with PGO, performance increase!
  • Added different layouts for zen: single toolbar, multiple toolbars, and no toolbar
  • The URL bar will now be floating on the top of the page
  • Added native mica support for Windows 11
  • Added hiding window controls support
  • Created new animations for glance
  • Added context aware animations for workspace switching
  • New onboarding experience for new users!
  • Started experimenting with horizontal tabs
  • Otter@lemmy.caOP
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    13 days ago

    For those unfamiliar, it’s a Firefox based browser with a nicer UI and some other features

    • Otter@lemmy.caOP
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      13 days ago

      My UI was being weird, but it settled down after I closed and reopened it / reloaded my tabs.

      Once the stable release is out, I might do a full uninstall/reinstall and import in my settings

  • trevor@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    13 days ago

    I’m afraid to update ever since they removed the collapsed tab sidebar option, which was the entire reason I used Zen. To be fair, the dev brought it back after people complained, so they listened, but the fear remains 😬

    • Otter@lemmy.caOP
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      13 days ago

      That is true

      The website says “customizable to the last pixel”, so I’m hoping they leave in all the options once they release properly. I might disable updates at some point waiting for that

    • LucidNightmare@lemm.ee
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      12 days ago

      Do be afraid. They rolled it back, and then the most recent update removed it again. It’s the only reason I liked using it as my side browser. Sidebery is great, but I liked the integration. Zen’s UI choices are good, but that was a smooth as fuck workflow I was able to get to.

  • Zangoose@lemmy.world
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    13 days ago

    Is the search bar moving down to the middle of the screen when I’m typing a bug? If not is there a setting for that somewhere?

    • Otter@lemmy.caOP
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      13 days ago

      None that I found, hopefully they add a setting

      What I would prefer is:

      Option 1. Move when hotkeys are used (default)

      • if clicked, don’t move around. It’s disorienting, and if someone was trying to select part of the URL they’ll need to line up the mouse again
      • if hotkey (CTRL-L or focus search hotkey), sure bring it down. It’s nice and you don’t have to move your eyes as much

      Option 2. Never move down