Cryptocurrency is a field that has only grown since its inception, and Opera wants to be a part of it. The company advances in the development of another variant of its web browser: the Crypto Browser Project.
This app allows users to store their crypto wallets in the new browser. Users can also track and manage different types of electronic currencies, as well as controversial NFT content offered by various companies. All of these features are bundled into what's called Web3, a set of activities that some believe will be widely used on the web for years to come.
Opera breaks new ground by creating specialized browsers like the GX focused on games. The Crypto Browser project is Opera's attempt to target users who have a crypto wallet.
TechRadar spoke to Jan Standal, Vice President of Product Marketing at Opera, to understand the need for a cryptocurrency-focused web browser.
The crypto-elephant in the bedroom
If you have used an Opera product before, Crypto Browser will be familiar to you. The design is similar, but with a blue and green color scheme.
We asked Standal what the Opera browser can offer the crypto market:
"Browsers have always provided a reliable gateway through which consumers discover and interact with the Internet and all the new digital trends and related technologies," explains Standal. “With the Crypto Browser Project, we set out to create the first truly personalized experience for people who want to learn about blockchain and Web3 technologies, channeling nearly three decades of experience we have in building easy-to-use browsers.
“Our Crypto Browser lowers barriers to entry into the Web3 world by providing our users with easy access to blockchain news and tutorials, seamless navigation of Web3 services and applications, and our trusted non-custodial wallet integrated directly into Navigator."
Why go all in one with a browser, instead of a plugin?
We wondered why the goal was a cryptocurrency-focused Opera browser, rather than a browser extension.
“By controlling the browser, we can solve experiences that cannot be solved with simple extensions. Take for example the secure clipboard feature in the Crypto Browser beta – it protects your wallet address from being tampered with by other apps Solution These cases make Opera the safest option for cryptocurrency and Web3 enthusiasts, which would not be possible with traditional browsers.
"As the move to Web3 progresses, most applications are being built by small software companies and we hope they can benefit from our technologies, expertise and user base."
Since cryptocurrencies are still in their infancy, we asked Standal how the browser can respond to different types of cryptocurrencies.
"Partnerships are a priority for Opera - we pursue an inclusive multi-channel strategy. By creating a solution that respects all ecosystems and encourages the development of common standards and practices among developer communities, we hope to help this new field. Incredible and diverse creators to develop the full potential of their technologies.
We lobbied Standal about Opera's decision to create a separate browser that focuses on cryptocurrency rather than incorporating crypto functionality into Opera or Opera GX.
"With the Crypto Browser project, we're trying a holistic approach, giving users a specific experience they need to interact with Web3," Standal explains. “As Web3 technologies become more advanced, we will see a strong divergence in the way the browser will interact with the world, and it was important that we prepare for this.
“We think that if you are interested in cryptocurrencies, blockchain technologies, even fun coins, you should have a dedicated space for that. If you are just starting out and just want to better understand the space, Crypto Browser Project will be the ideal starting point. departure.
Standal continued, “With Opera GX, we learned the power of community and how we could create a browser designed just for the needs of our amazing gamers. With the Crypto Browser Project, we show the same care and attention to the crypto community focused on secure, easy and intuitive access to crypto services and tools in a way that even a novice can understand.
Feel safe with cryptocurrencies
There is always the lingering issue of security and authenticity when it comes to bitcoins. There is also the persistent idea that cryptocurrencies go hand in hand with gambling, especially since the rise and fall of the value of Bitcoin is always in the news. We asked Standal what measures Opera has taken with this browser to ensure user security.
“While it is true that cryptocurrency is not yet for everyone, we see that millions of our browser users are already on board with cryptocurrency and Web3 is happening. We strongly believe that serious companies are better involved in the space, to help users and shape the industry rather than bypass it," explains Standal. "Helping our users avoid scams is a natural part of it. Crypto Browser provides you with Crypto Corner, which is a source of tutorials, access to influential publications, and key information about the space. There are also a host of security features and privacy, such as built-in VPN, ad blocker, secure clipboard, etc.
NFT
Another aspect of cryptocurrency is the NFT, or non-fungible token. These are digital assets, such as images or videos, that are claimed to be yours alone. Opera's crypto browser will let you use your wallet to buy them. We wanted to know what the position of the company was in this process.
“These steps are described in the NFT platforms,” Standal specifies. "For our part, we make sure no one meddles with your wallet address by providing you with an integrated wallet and a secure clipboard to copy and paste your wallet address and other sensitive data."
The company also announced in a blog post that the crypto browser is in development for Apple devices and will be submitted to the App Store. But with features that allow users to manage their crypto wallet in a web browser, we asked Standal if Apple's most likely response would be to reject the app, particularly if there are explicit ways to buy and sell crypto.
"The Opera browser for iOS already comes with a variety of encryption features. The Crypto Browser project isn't that different in terms of features; rather it makes them a unified experience," Standal continues. "It's your entry point into Web3 , with its applications and other solutions, as well as information on blockchain technologies. And a safe and trusted source of where to explore next.
Analysis: Is this web browser a warning sign?
It was surprising to see Opera announce a crypto-only web browser. Given some of the negative connotations of the field, it is currently a slippery slope for any company to include all features that involve crypto content and NFTs.
But Opera embarked on this effort by introducing an entirely new browser, rather than a browser feature or extension. While Standal argues that Opera Crypto Browser can guide users through managing crypto wallets, while helping them keep up with any other trends in the world of electronic currencies, users would do well to use dedicated apps instead. its place.
Companies like Coinbase offer apps that give you a direct view of your wallet, and your wallet only. Having a web browser that allows you to watch YouTube videos, while allowing you to track Bitcoin, may be too much for most users.
Time will tell if other browsers, such as Firefox and Microsoft Edge, among others, will introduce cryptocurrency-focused features. We'd be surprised if another company went the extra mile and created a full crypto browser, similar to Opera.
Crypto could still be a fad, a story recalled at the end of the decade in a Netflix documentary. But again, if companies don't push certain limits, we'll know how far the technology can go, or how practical new ideas can be for us.