Opera's web browser is an underdog in the industry. But that doesn't mean it’s bark is bigger than its bite.
When Opera first unveiled Opera 45 as 'Reborn', the company wanted to start penetrating the market by becoming more than just a tool for simple browsing.
And on 'Reborn 3', Opera introduces an integrated cryptocurrency wallet, a support for Web 3.0 and more.
According to the announcement, the cryptocurrency wallet in the Opera computer browser syncs with the cryptocurrency wallet in the Opera browser for Android.
Opera said that with the integration, wallet keys would never have to leave users' mobile devices.
This is somehow similar to how two-factor authentication process sounds: when users need to identify themselves or sign a transaction on a blockchain, they will receive a notification on their mobile device. Unlocking the device will confirm the said transaction.
Opera initially teased this functionality back in June 2018.
At that time, the browser added cryptocurrency wallet to its Android-based web browser.
The company then made it more official in August 2018, when it announced that this wallet feature would be made available on Opera desktop.
The, starting September, Opera tested the wallet feature with a selected group of beta testers.
"Previously this was available only in developer or beta and now all of our users will get access to the cryptocurrency wallet," explained an Opera spokesperson.
Read: Out Of Beta, Opera Browser Makes Cryptocurrency Wallet Available To All Users
Reborn 3 has also increased privacy and security features, including a built-in ad blocker.
Like previous versions of Opera, it also offers an unlimited free VPN, or virtual private network, that encrypts information and hides users' geographical locations.
Opera claims that its VPN is designed to obscure and protect user data from prying eyes.
On top of that, Opera said that it's the first major browser to include an explorer for Web 3.0, which refers to a blockchain-based "internet of the future."
Here, Web 3.0 is the umbrella term for a group of technologies that besides blockchain, also includes cryptocurrencies.
Supporters of Web 3.0 believe that it's the beginning of a decentralized internet.
With Opera Reborn 3 supporting Web 3.0, Opera said that users can explore the Web 3.0 by entering the address of a Web 3.0 application into the Opera search bar.
"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, executive vice president and head of browsers at Opera.
"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."
Other features included in this release:
The ability to send links, videos and notes to other devices via Flow, a currency converter, two distinct themes (light and dark), minimalist design by moving some of functionalities away and place them in a way that they are accessible without getting in the way, redesigned tabs, moving the 'EasySetup' and 'Snapshot' to the access bar, and some other customization options.
Opera Reborn 3 is the codename for Opera 60, and it has been made available for users on Mac, Windows and Linux operating system.