The first blockchain-oriented mainstream browser for surfing and interacting with the decentralized web is here. Opera announced the browser at an event in London recently. The browser comes with a built-in cryptocurrency wallet and is currently available for Android users.
Opera launches a blockchain-oriented decentralized web browser
Opera is rolling out a new update to its Android browser which brings in features like the ability to interact with decentralized apps (dApps), manage your digital identity, as well as make cryptocurrency transactions. The company hopes the app to stimulate the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies.
“Our hope is that this step will accelerate the transition of cryptocurrencies from speculation and investment to being used for actual payments and transactions in our users’ daily lives,” Opera executive VP Krystian Kolondra said.
The updated Android Opera browser will initially support Ethereum tokens (or any other ERC20-based cryptocurrencies) and the Ethereum network. Opera believes Ethereum “has the largest community of developers building Dapps and has gathered a lot of momentum behind it”. Cryptocurrencies based on other protocols will also get support in the future. However, the company is not ready to commit to any announcements just yet.
Opera is a veteran in the browser game but building a blockchain software was not a walk in the park for the company. “We had to learn a lot of new technology ourselves and build competence around different blockchains, cryptography, and distributed networks in order to build our wallet,” project lead Charles Hamel said. Opera is also working on a desktop version of its crypto-browser. The browser is currently in beta and will be available in the coming months for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
The crypto world is getting a much-needed push lately. HTC and Sirin Labs recently launched their blockchain smartphones Exodus 1 and Finney, respectively, for the masses. Samsung is also mulling with an idea of integrating a cold wallet for cryptocurrencies in its next flagship.
