Opera, the fast, secure, and innovative web browser just announced the public release of their updated “web 3-ready” Android web browser that features a built-in Ethereum wallet. This marks the first major web browser to add support for a crypto wallet and is now on every crypto enthusiasts radar.
Previously available in beta since the beginning of September, vigorous testing of the Opera browser’s new integration assures it is finally ready for the masses.
However, the updated browser is only available for Android users as the Windows, Mac, and Linux versions are still in testing and will be ready in 2019. As for an Apple iOS app, the browser does not plan to pursue this market just yet due to Apples strict and complex environment.
The Opera Ethereum Wallet
Opera’s built-in crypto wallet supports Ethereum’s native crypto, ether (ETH) plus other ERC-20 tokens and crypto collectibles (ERC-721 standard) such as CryptoKitties. The browser’s new update also supports Ethereum-based decentralized applications (dapps) to be accessible from the wallet.
In a statement from Charles Hamel, the product manager of Opera Crypto said:
Until now using cryptocurrencies online and accessing Web 3 required special apps or extensions, making it difficult for people to even try it out. Our new browser removes that friction.
Opera’s browser accomplishes this by having their crypto wallet integrate with the Ethereum Web3 API to facilitate transactions with dapps.
As explained by the firm:
[It’s like a] tool to access information, make transactions online and manage users’ online identity in a way that gives them more control.
According to Hammel, the team at Opera gathered a lot of feedback from the community during Opera’s beta version of the browser and have since implemented a series of design upgrades to make the browser’s user interface more user-friendly.
The browser is now ready for a much wider audience and displays less confusing language to users and simplifies the steps needed to set up the wallet.
According to Opera, the firm supported Ethereum because it is the most widely adopted cryptocurrency in terms of dapp development, the number of developers, and the community supporting it. The firm feels comfortable focusing their energy on Ethereum because there is a lot of momentum behind it.
Opera Shares the Vision of Blockchain and Crypto Enthusiasts
The firm behind the Opera web browser supports the innovation brought about by the cryptocurrency industry and shares the vision that crypto can improve the everyday lives of its users.
The executive vice president for browsers at Opera, Krystian Kolondra, said in a statement regarding Opera’s recent developments:
Our hope is that this step will accelerate the transition of cryptocurrencies from speculation and investment to being used for actual payments and transactions in our users’ daily lives.
Cryptocurrency users can expect to see more developments between Opera and the blockchain industry as back in October, Opera announced a partnership with blockchain advisory and financial services firm Ledger Capital.
There are reports the two companies were seeking new applications and use cases for blockchain. Therefore, we will wait for new developments and will be the first to share them with you here.
Do you use the Opera web browser? What blockchain products do you think Opera will come out with next? Let us know in the comment section below.
