The newest Opera browser for Mac, Windows and Linux now includes a Crypto Wallet, Web 3 explorer and a free VPN. It is designed to give people a sense of control over their online lives and a glimpse into the Web of the future.

A typical person spends more than six hours each day online. The more time we spend online, however, the more our lives become exposed to the potential threats associated with the Web. With Opera 60 (codenamed Reborn 3), Opera seeks to improve the quality of people’s digital lives through increased privacy and security features, as well as a new design of the browser’s interface. Opera becomes the first major computer browser to include a native Crypto Wallet and Web 3 explorer. The new feature lets people make transactions and interact with the blockchain-based Internet of the future, also known as Web 3. By also providing a free browser VPN, Opera wants to make sure users stay safe and in control of their browsing.

“The Web has transformed our lives. We are now continuously online. But the more time we spend online, the more we need tools that help us control the security and privacy of our digital lives,”

said Krystian Kolondra, EVP at Opera, Head of Browsers.

“With this major upgrade, we are taking the first step into Web 3, the new Web, where users are in control. We believe every browser in 2019 should be Web 3-ready.”

Web 3 and the Web of the future

Web 3 is the blockchain-based Internet of the future. Starting today, users can type in the address of a Web 3 application into the address bar of the Opera computer browser and they will be able to explore Web 3.

“Blockchain technologies bring the power and control back to the people,”

said Krystian Kolondra.

“They can securely sign transactions and identify themselves to websites, without unnecessarily oversharing their data.”

The Crypto Wallet in the Opera computer browser syncs with the Crypto Wallet in the Opera browser for Android. This means wallet keys never leave the users’ smartphones. In practice, whenever they need to identify themselves to a Web 3 website or sign a transaction on the blockchain, users get a notification on their smartphone. They can confirm it in the same way they unlock their system, using, for example, facial recognition or their fingerprint. Krystian Kolondra says: 

“Blockchain technology has evolved from just storing funds or speculation into a technology which will shape the Internet of tomorrow. We decided to speed up the development of Web 3 by opening all our browsers across all operating systems to it. This makes Opera the first major browser developer to do so.”

The Crypto Wallet feature is planned to also be added to Opera’s iOS browser, Opera Touch, soon.

The Crypto Wallet feature is planned to also be added to Opera’s iOS browser, Opera Touch, soon.
The Crypto Wallet feature is planned to also be added to Opera’s iOS browser, Opera Touch, soon.

A faster VPN service for more security and privacy

The demand for VPN services keeps growing. Currently, one-third of VPN users around the globe use this solution with the intent to stay anonymous on the Web. Opera is the only browser maker to provide a fast and free browser VPN. The unlimited browser VPN enhances users’ online privacy and improves their security when using public networks they don’t trust. The browser VPN establishes a secure, encrypted tunnel which protects users’ data from third parties and hides their geographical location from websites. The browser VPN service is also a no-log service, which means that the VPN servers do not log and retain any activity data, all to protect users privacy.

New design makes Opera the perfect frame for the Web

With a quarter of our lives spent online, the quality of the applications we use plays a central role. People spend hours every day interacting with the Web through their browsers. Opera believes a browser should provide a perfect frame for the Web, the same way a picture frame enhances a viewer’s experience of a painting. In the new version of the Opera browser, the new borderless design without dividing lines between sections lets people browse calmly and unhindered by unnecessary distractions. Web content takes center stage. The browser has also received two distinct themes, light and dark, which are inspired by high-key and low-key lighting photography, where the goals are to maximize or minimize the amount of light in a photo while still retaining contrast. Depending on the mood, setting or the content they are viewing, people are in control of how they frame Web content. By giving users a beautiful, distraction-free setting to experience the Web, an increased level of privacy, as well as access to the Internet of the future, Opera believes it is giving users the perfect tool to control and enjoy the digital aspect of their lives.