In the world where smartphones are getting bigger, using them is becoming a two-handed affair.
Things are just too complicated. At least that is what Opera is thinking when it creates Opera Touch, a browser that has an interface primarily designed for one-handed use.
When first opened, both the address bar and the keyboard are activated automatically. This allows users to quickly start typing a URL or a search query. And after opening a website, scrolling up a bit reveals a Fast Action Button (FAB) at the bottom of the page which allows users to open a carousel of options.
FAB can be used to access commonly done tasks, such as switching tabs, reloading the page or acting as a back button. FAB also includes other features that are more unique, such as ad-blocker, cryptojacking protection, QR and barcode scanner and a dynamic speed dial feature that changes with users' browsing patterns.
All that can all done from this button without having to reach for the top of the phone's screen.
These alone, are already sufficient and handy. Given that most other competitors still place all of their buttons at the top of the screen. This is cumbersome for screens that become larger and larger by the year. But Opera is not stopping there.
Opera Touch also has a feature which allows users to sync websites from their phones to desktop, and also the other way around. This is can be done when users have logged in to Opera on both platforms.
Then there is a feature Opera calls 'Flow'. This creates a feed of websites that users can share from one platform to another, where they can scroll back through to find the things they are looking for. To use Flow, users need to first establish a connection between the two browsers by scanning a QR code.
However, the last two features aren't anything new.
Competitor like Google Chrome already has these two features. While Opera's versions are easier to use, it's not at all significant. What's more Opera Touch that is optimized for mobile, isn't any more powerful that others in the competition.
The same goes with Opera Neon. It was indeed neat, and the browser did stood out with its unique capabilities. In the case of Opera Touch, the most distinguishing element is its Fast Action Buttons, which is really a convenient. However, they are yet to have a real impact.
For Opera that isn't putting that much focus on the competitive browser market, the move is regarded as a smart one, enough to get the attention of people that want some unique experience, away from mainstream browsers.