The browser wars have just started on Google Chromebooks, with Opera launching an alternative internet browser for the Google Chrome OS operating system. The only choice for a web browser has never been Google Chrome, as users with no other choice than Apple, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft felt no need to build versions for Chromebooks. However, Opera saw an opportunity in this area, so there is now a native version of the free internet browser for Google Chromebooks.
What does the opera contribute?
If you've used Opera before, you'll feel right at home here, since everything has been ported to Google Chrome OS. From built-in VPN to chat apps, the browser has been optimized to work on Chromebooks and be a worthy contender to Google Chrome. Aside from themes and an ad blocker, there is also the handy feature called Flow, where you can save links as well as images, and they will flow between the Opera browsers installed on your other devices. “Chromebooks, with their easy-to-use interface and touch screens, are great devices for people's everyday needs. We have decided that it is time that your users have access to a great alternative browser with a unique set of features that they will find useful and entertaining. said Stefan Stjernelund, Opera for Android's product manager. The new version of Opera for Google Chrome OS and Chromebooks can be downloaded here.
Analysis: the choice is good
It is about time that we see an alternative Internet browser on Chromebooks after so many years of using the Google browser. These machines work well as well as other students' laptops, which may still inspire others to make the move to Opera, especially if they already have it installed on their smartphone or tablet. Opera is known as the browser equivalent of a penknife: it can do a lot of things, but you may find yourself using only 2 features at most. What it does bring, though, is security, with its built-in VPN and ad-blocker that might inspire many to just move on from there. The competition is good and this could be a huge opportunity for Opera on Google Chrome OS, especially since users have never been able to use the Google Chrome browser. However, is Opera going to struggle to establish itself on Google Chrome OS, since users who are comfortable with what they've been using for years can stick with Google Chrome?