Opera Web Browser To Include a Built-In Cryptocurrency Wallet

In an official announcement, popular Web Browser Opera said that the company is launching a new browser software that will feature a built-in cryptocurrency wallet. The company said that “Opera with Crypto Support” will focus on acceptability and user-friendliness. Opera has already released a beta version of the browser on Android.

The official blog post reads that the "new version of the Opera browser for Android… combines easy-to-use crypto wallet functionality with support for the Ethereum Web3 API.”

The addition of a built-in cryptocurrency means that users of Opera will be able to send, receive and pay in digital currencies directly from a toggle on their browsers on the mobile devices. At this moment the wallet is currently supporting only Ethereum, but plans to add support for more cryptocurrencies in the future.

The major for Opera to choose Ethereum was its support for decentralized applications (DApps) and for its community of developers. Additionally, the wallet will store keys and other important information on the user’s device to ensure a high-level of security. Instead of adding traditional PINs and passwords, Opera will be relying on Android’s built-in security system lock feature.

In order to fight against the online cryptojacking attacks and malicious malware, Opera has already included anti-mining cryptojacking software on their web and mobile browsers, since January this year.

Charles Hamel, the product lead on Opera Crypto, said: “We believe the web of today will be the interface to the decentralized web of tomorrow…By becoming the the first major browser to open up to Web 3.0, we would like to contribute to making the internet of the future more accessible.”

Hamel further added: “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.”

Another important news is that the China-based cryptocurrency hardware manufacturer Bitmain is looking forward to get a majority stake in Opera while investing $50 million in its IPO. Opera will be listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange and is expecting to raise $115 million. Opera filed for an IPO with the SEC last month on 29th of June.

That being said, we are completely excited for the built-in wallet feature and expect it to go on a full-phase launch in the coming months soon.