Norwegian internet firm Opera has launched the world’s first-ever browser with a built-in cryptocurrency wallet. The browser, which is compatible with Android, is currently available for use in private beta; the company describes it as “the first major browser to open up a mainstream product to Web 3.0.”
The browser, which offers full support for Ethereum’s Web 3.0 API, will use Android’s system lock to sign and send transactions from its built-in wallet.
Hopes to Lower the Barrier of Entry into the “Internet of Value”
According to the official announcement of the new browser, Opera is hoping to “[lower] the barrier of entry into” the so-called ‘Internet of Value’ (IoV) by simplifying the process of using crypto practically. The IoV is the part of the internet in which value can be exchanged as quickly as information can on the internet as we know it now–a vision that has not yet been achieved.
“Our hope is that this will accelerate the transition of cryptocurrencies from speculation and investment to being used for actual payments and transactions in our users’ daily lives,” said Charles Hamel, Product Lead of Opera Crypto.
A vast number of firms have developed APIs and apps that allow users to send and receive cryptocurrency transactions with relative ease, but the idea behind Opera’s new browser is that its users will be able to eliminate the need to install browser extensions (i.e., MetaMask) or Dapp-based browsers.
The “Cash Experience” for Online Browsing
Indeed, the process of using cryptocurrency to send or accept payments is often cumbersome, and inappropriate ties between personal data and crypto transactions can compromise their anonymity. However,
Hamel believes that the new browser will make crypto usage faster and more anonymous, saying that “having a Crypto Wallet in the browser brings the cash experience to the world of online payments.”
It’s possible to try the beta version of Opera Crypto by visiting the product’s website.
Opera has shown awareness of problems presented in and faced by the cryptosphere in the past. In January, the company announced added protection against ‘cryptojacking’ malware for Android as part of the browser’s native ad-blocking shield.
Chinese mining giant Bitmain announced that it was buying the majority of shares in Opera’s company last week.
(Photo: Opera)
