Web3 - Opera Unveils Dedicated Crypto Browser for iOS Users

Under its "Crypto Browser Project," multi-platform web browser Opera has unveiled iOS version of its dedicated crypto browser that offers more users direct, user-friendly access to Web3 services. In 2020, an estimated 1 billion people use iPhones worldwide.

The launch of iOS version of crypto browser follows initial integration of the Crypto Browser Project with Windows, Mac, and Android and looks to take mass adoption of Web3 to new levels. Earlier in January this year, Opera unveiled beta release of its crypto browser for Mac, Windows, and Android.

The iOS version of Opera crypto browser also boasts the ability to restore any Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible Wallet with the native Opera Wallet, allowing users to integrate their existing assets and balances into their Crypto Browser setup.

Late last month, Opera, announced that it has integrated support for several major blockchain ecosystems, including Solana, Polygon, StarkEx, Ronin, Celo, Nervos, IXO and Bitcoin.

Norway-based Opera originally launched the first web browser with an integrated cryptocurrency wallet and basic Web3 support back in 2018. In 2019, Opera also released a gaming-oriented version of the browser called "Opera GX" and in 2021 Opera released a mobile version of Opera GX iOS and Android.

Opera's focus for the Crypto Browser Project is a simplified user experience across decentralized apps (dapps), games, and metaverse platforms. The browser also features a news and data aggregator named "Crypto Corner," a bespoke start page focused on live crypto information and updates, crypto asset prices and gas fees, as well as crypto events, airdrops, and even podcasts.

Jorgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera, said: "The interest in Web3 is continuing to grow. The Opera Crypto Browser Project was built to simplify the Web3 user experience that has often been bewildering for mainstream users. Opera believes Web3 has to be easy to use in order to reach its full potential and a mass adoption."

Opera Browser now allows to Buy, Spend Bitcoin and Ethereum using Debit Card, Apple Pay

Freeware browser Opera, which is the first major browser to introduce a built-in crypto wallet in July 2018, is now introducing another feature allowing its users in the US and Scandinavia easily purchase cryptocurrencies using a debit card or Apple Pay.

Easy crypto top-ups are available in Opera;s flagship Android browser, its iOS browser Opera Touch as well as in the crypto wallet available in its desktop browser. The integrated solution is available in the United States and Scandinavia.

Developed by Opera Software AS, a Norwegian software company, Opera's strategy is to eliminate the hurdles associated with the use of cryptocurrencies on the Web. In December 2018, Opera introduced the first blockchain-enabled browser "Opera for Android" with a built-in crypto wallet and Dapp explorer.




Opera is tying-up with US-based cryptocurrency infrastructure provider Wyre, which allows transactions on Apple devices works seamlessly with Apple Pay, making it possible to top up an account in less than 30 seconds. Opera Android users in the US can now buy BTC and ETH using a debit card. iOS users can simply use Apple Pay.

Later, it added a built-in crypto wallet to its desktop browser as well as to its iOS browser, Opera Touch. It later introduced easy crypto-purchases in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, and is now expanding them to the United States.

Charles Hamel, Head of Crypto at Opera browsers, explained how this integration supports Opera’s long-term vision of making blockchain technology relevant beyond speculation: “Allowing our users to easily load cryptocurrency into their browser’s digital wallet is very powerful, as it connects the Web to a global internet-native payment network."

Source ~ Press.Opera.com

Opera Mini Helps Indians save Rs.2.1 billion, claims Opera

Seems exaggerated, but Opera claims its mobile browser Opera Mini helped Indians save 2.1 billion rupees as mobile internet savings. Because of Opera's advanced compression technology, Indian users of the Opera Mini mobile browsers used 75% less mobile data in the first half of the year, according to a report by Opera Software.

Noteworthy, India is also home to the largest number of Opera Mini users in the world.

This internet savings is the equivalent of a monthly nationwide saving of Rs 350 million and adds up to a whopping saving of Rs 2.1 billion in the first six months of 2014.

Opera Mini users on Java-based phones saved an average of 81% in mobile data each month, while smartphone users saved about 69%, the report reveals. Among smartphone users, those on Android phones clocked an average of 68.5% savings per month, while iOS users saved about 62%.

The report is based on aggregated information obtained from the Opera Mini servers.

Opera Mini is compatible with over 3000 mobile devices, ranging from basic Java phones to the latest Android and iOS smartphones. This makes it highly popular in the Indian mobile market, which has a healthy mix of consumers using a large variety of handsets.

Opera claims that these substantial savings were achieved due to Opera Mini's advanced compression technology, which shrinks webpages down to as little as 10% of their original size, reducing data consumption by up to 90%. The data compression also helps render web-pages faster, even while roaming, or in places with poor network conditions, making Opera Mini a great companion while on the go.

"We understand how precious mobile data is for Indian consumers, and that's why our servers work very hard to shrink every bit of data possible for Opera Mini users. It's indeed gratifying to see that this translates into such gigantic savings for our Indian users. This is, however, only the tip of the iceberg. We are confident Opera Mini can help Indians save billions more", says Sunil Kamath, Vice President for Southern Asia at Opera Software.