Opera’s crypto browser aims to put Web3 technologies a click away

Opera has launched a web browser called Crypto Browser Project with in-built Web3 experiences that include crypto wallet, secure clipboard and decentralised apps or dApps.  

Web3 stands for a decentralised version of the internet that runs on peer-to-peer technologies such as a public blockchain.  

Though the new browser can be used for browsing traditional websites, Opera wants users to take advantage of the various Web3 focused features. For instance, the non-custodial crypto wallet can let users access their cryptos or sign in to dApps directly from the browser without having to install any add-ons or extensions.  

Non-custodial crypto wallets are user-controlled and allow users to control the private keys to their cryptos. If users want they can also use their existing crypto wallets on the browser.  

Opera also claims the crypto wallet is a step up from a crypto wallet they launched in their browser in 2018. The new wallet supports ETH, ERC-20, ERC-721 tokens while ERC-1155 will be added sometime in Q1 2022.  

The wallet will also let users purchase crypto using fiat currency, swap, send and receive cryptos and check balance and gas fees.  

The browser also offers a secure clipboard tool that allows users to copy-paste content on it securely.  

Opera claims the secure clipboard will ensure no apps can modify wallet addresses or sensitive data.  Clipboard is a commonly used feature in PCs, mobile and allows users to copy and paste text, images and data between different applications.  

In addition to the crypto wallet and dApps, the browser has a dedicated section called Crypto Corner where users can access the latest news on cryptos, blockchain, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and find crypto communities, upcoming airdrops, podcasts and educational content on Web3 technologies.  

Users can also save platforms such as Crypto Twitter, DappRadar and Discord as speed dials on the browser for quick access.  

The new browser is available as a beta release and can be downloaded on Windows, Mac and Android devices. The iOS version is expected to launch soon.  

Susie Batt, lead, Crypto Ecosystem at Opera said browsers will continue to play a crucial role in decentralised internet. 

“Few of the browsing experiences today are built with the intention of putting Web3 at centre stage and making blockchain technologies understandable and easy to use. With the crypto browse project we have set out to change this,” she added.  

According to Batt, Opera is pursuing various dApp and domain name partnerships. Polygon, Solana, Nervos, Celo, Unstoppable Domains, Handshake and ENS, and are some of the web3 companies that they already partnered with.  

Opera is working on implementing Ethereum Layer 2 technologies in its crypto browser that aims to improve transaction speed an reduce high energy consumption.