Not convinced it should be default. I can see how they would be useful, but I would expect most browser users are just so used to horizontal tabs it's too much of a pain to switch.
I didn't like most of the Opera defaults in later years - every time I reinstalled Opera I would spend a few minutes putting the menu bar back, etc. - you'll just have to live with the fact that there's never a browser that comes with the defaults you love
I agree that every browser requires some customization, that's why I love Opera. And that's why I usually don't care about defaults. But the horizontal tab bar is the one thing for which I will blame Opera forever, maybe even more than the discontinuation of Opera 12. The way I remember it, correct me if I'm wrong, all the other browsers introduced tabbing after it was established for some time in Opera (like many of Operas features). If only Opera had presented vertical tabbing as the default, every browser developer would have probably done it this way and the users would have been used to it all along. I have never heard of a single advantage of horizontal tabs over vertical tabs, not even when using a 4:3 monitor.
Regarding the "used to it" point: I was using horizontal tabs for years in Firefox and later in Opera before finding this setting. I never considered switching back so I'm hopeful that other users might be comfortable switching as well. If they are not, I'm sure that "right-click tab-bar -> context-menu -> horizontal tabs" is very intuitive.
Sorry I this is a bit off-topic, I'm just trying to make a point, why the developers should consider setting vertical tabs as the default, if and when introducing this feature
To get started, what about the whole area of customisation, but customisation for everyone, not just "browser nerds"? How about two levels of customisation, including one that can be applied by the average user (like me!) without knowing knowing every little bit of jargon and all the tricks?
Here are my Top 10 feature suggestions:
Level 1 - average user: 1) Vertical Tabs: This has to become the standard view in browsers. When introducing this feature please make it default. Read and heard from many people who miss this Opera 12 feature and don't understand how a horizontal tab bar could become default in every browser. Also, if you ask me, the tabs should preview the site (just like O12 did), thus allowing a quick navigation with the mouse without having to worry about selecting the wrong tab. 2) Sync: ...of pretty much everything, while letting the user select what to sync. 3) Speed Dial: To me, it is important to customize the number of dials. The speed dial should cover the whole page, not just 90% like other browsers (or plugins), allowing quick navigation. Automatic refresh (with custom timers) of the dial images would be nice-to-have, as well as a customizable background image. 4) Automatic browser updates: Nice-to have. At least a notification would be great. (Maybe already implemented, not using Otter Browser long enough)
Level 2 - browser nerds: 1) Gestures: Please just make them customizable (like you did with keyboard shortcuts - loving it!). 2) F12: Site preferences. Especially managing cookies this way, but maybe this is just me. I think the item in the context menu is already there but not enabled right now. 3) Some kind of vertical toolbar (on the opposing site of vertical tabs), preferably the panel as we know it from O12. My ranking regarding the panels: (Mail >) Notes > History > Bookmarks. Mail would be a level 1 feature, I guess. 4-6) Password wand, customizable tab cycle, MIME-Type file association.
