This article was published on April 9, 2019

Opera releases its browser with built-in cryptocurrency wallet to everyone

About time


Opera releases its browser with built-in cryptocurrency wallet to everyone

Opera’s long-awaited web-browser, Reborn 3, which features an integrated cryptocurrency wallet is officially launching today.

According to the announcement, the cryptocurrency wallet in the Opera computer browser syncs with the cryptocurrency wallet in the Opera browser for Android. Opera says that this means wallet keys never leave the users’ smartphone.

In principle, it sounds like a two-factor authentication process. When a user needs to identify themselves or sign a transaction on the blockchain, they will get a notification on their phone. Unlocking the phone with a fingerprint will then confirm said transaction.

Opera first teased of this functionality back in June last year when it added a cryptocurrency wallet to its Android-based web-browser. It made the news somewhat more official in August 2018 when it announced that this wallet would eventually reach desktop browsers.

By September, Opera was testing the wallet with a select 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,” an Opera spokesperson told Hard Fork.

Users will also be able to browse blockchain applications by typing their addresses directly into the URL bar, Opera says. There is also a built in virtual private network (VPN) that Opera claims is designed to obscure and protect user data from prying eyes.

Did you know? Hard Fork has its own stage at TNW2019, our tech conference in Amsterdam. Check it out.

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