Tech company Opera, the owners of the Opera Browser have released the Beta version of a new Web3 browser project dubbed the crypto browser project. This new browser offers users direct access to Web3 services, making it easy for crypto enthusiasts to access distributed applications, also known as ĐApps, and access aspects of the metaverse seamlessly.
Web3, sometimes referred to as Web 3.0 is an idea of the internet based on blockchains and crypto tokens but with the ownership decentralized and not in the hands of a few tech powers like Twitter, Meta, and Abacus Inc. Opera say that the aim of having a Web3 based browser is to accelerate the evolution of the next generation of the Web.
Until now, users had to download browser extensions in order to access the ĐApps. Opera’s Web3 browser makes it possible for you to access these distributed applications straight from the address bar with no need for an extension.
Features of Opera’s crypto browser project
Built-in crypto wallet: The new browser comes with a built-in non-custodial wallet that will for starters support Ethereum in beta. Opera announced that it would extend integration across all of the major cryptocurrencies. The built-in crypto wallet supports both fungible and non-fungible standards. This means that users will be able to purchase cryptocurrency via the wallet as well as do direct crypto-to-crypto swaps.
Secure Clipboard: The crypto browser comes with a secure clipboard to allow you to safely copy and paste. This clipboard makes sure no other apps and sites you have visited have modified your data.
Browser Homepage: When you start the Crypto Browser, the homepage is already set up with the most popular Web3 and Crypto websites. In the sidebar, you will find Twitter, Telegram, and Whatsapp integrated. This is also where you will find the Crypto Wallet. The homepage also has a Crypto Pinboard icon that will lead you to a tutorial explaining the individual parts of the browser and how to use them.
Opera’s Native Features: On top of the features exclusively available to the crypto browser, you’ll enjoy some of Opera’s features available on the normal browser. The no-log browser VPN, native ad-blocker, and tracker blocker have been modified to work with Web3 websites and dApps.
Related Artice: The Metaverse: What Is It And Is It The Future Of The Internet?
History of Opera in Web3 development
This is not the first time Opera is venturing into the Web3 space:
- In December 2018, they launched a web browser with an integrated cryptocurrency wallet and basic Web3 support.
- February 2019 saw Opera starting the support for instant crypto top-ups in the wallet.
- In June 2019, Opera launched the first browser for iOS with a built in crypto wallet.
- Opera then started Bitcoin support in October 2019. Their plans temporaily paused given the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- January 2022 has seen the company announce the launch of the Crypto Browser Project Beta. Opera plans to integrate Polygon, Layer 2, Solana, Near, Handshake and Cosmos into the browser.
How to use Opera’s Web3 browser
- Download the Opera Crypto Browser on Android, Windows or Mac. Opera says that support for iOS is coming soon.
- Create your Opera wallet or use an existing wallet if you already have one.
- Start navigating the Web3 space seamlessly without need for different extensions.
With the launch of the crypto browser project, Opera is trying to get ahead of its competition in what has been dubbed the future of the internet. However, they are not the only ones who have ventured into the Web3 space in terms of browsers. Brave, a crypto-centric browser boasts of its own payments wallet.