Internet Giant Opera Brings Native Ethereum Wallet to Desktop Web Browser

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opera browser ethereum wallet

Opera, the web browser backed by bitcoin mining giant Bitmain, has announced that it will add a native ethereum wallet to the desktop version of its web browsing software.

Opera Brings Built-in Ethereum Wallet to PC Browser

The Oslo-based firm made the announcement on Wednesday, citing “strong interest” in and an “overwhelmingly positive response” to the private beta for its mobile browser, which now features a built-in ethereum wallet that supports both ether and ethereum-based tokens.

“By adding a crypto wallet directly into the browser, we removed the need for complex extensions or separate apps,” said Charles Hamel, product lead of Opera Crypto. “Opening up the PC browser to crypto marks Opera’s second step towards making cryptocurrencies and Web 3.0 mainstream.”

To access the feature in Opera’s desktop browser, users will first need to download the mobile browser on an Android device and enable the native cryptocurrency wallet. Then, they can connect it to their PC browser by scanning a QR code. In addition to storing tokens, the wallet functions as a decentralized application (dApp) browser, enabling users to interact with dApps like Augur and CryptoKitties without manually downloading extensions.

opera
Opera users will be able to access the same crypto wallets across both their mobile and PC devices. | Source: Shutterstock

Keys to the wallet remain stored on the user’s phone, so they must sign all payments — including those initiated through the PC browser — on their mobile devices using a fingerprint swipe.

“After making crypto payments smooth and easy on mobile, we wanted the find the perfect solution for PCs”, said Krystian Kolondra, EVP of Opera’s browsers division. “We realized the best way is to utilize our new mobile crypto wallet technology and to give our PC users access to it.”

“Some users prefer to perform crypto payments or interact with Dapps on their desktop. They can now do so in a simple way by using the same wallet they have on their mobile phone,” added Hamel.

With Bitmain’s Backing, Opera Goes Crypto

The move comes just one month after Bitmain — the dominant bitcoin mining firm and likely the most valuable cryptocurrency company — paid $50 million to purchase a controlling stake in Opera, who through its browsers and fintech subsidiaries has a major presence in Africa.

A week later, Opera announced that it was adding a native ethereum wallet to the Android version of its mobile browser, and the firm now says that its next aim is to “make crypto-integration mainstream.”

“At Opera, we try to stay at the forefront of innovation. Our next aim is to make crypto-integration mainstream. We believe blockchain technology has the power to transform the web of tomorrow and expect it to make a big difference in the years to come,” said Kolondra.

Featured Image from Opera

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