Opera Browser Opens Its Built-in Cryptocurrency Wallet to Desktop Users
Opera Ltd (NASDAQ: OPRA), the Norway-headquartered company behind the browser used by 322 million people, has decided to open up its desktop browser to its recently released mobile crypto wallet. The developers say this is due to the “overwhelmingly positive response of the crypto-community and users to the crypto wallet in Opera for Android.”
Also Read: Opera Browser Introduces a Built-in Cryptocurrency Wallet
Opera Is Opening Up the PC Browser to Crypto
The Norwegian browser maker explains that the desktop wallet roll-out is designed to tackle two main issues for its users. Firstly, Opera users will no longer need to install and set up an extension in their PC browser, just to connect the browser with the wallet-enabled mobile app by scanning a QR code which will grant them access to their mobile wallet. Secondly, the phone’s secure system lock will be used to store the keys, allowing people to sign transactions with their fingerprints instead of using long passphrases. And the keys controlling the assets will remain stored only on the user’s phone.
“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.”
Make Crypto-Integration Mainstream
As we reported when it was launched in private beta back in July, the current version of the app only supports ETH, ERC-20 tokens and ERC-721 collectibles (which it automatically presents to the user). However, the developers plan to add support for additional cryptocurrencies in the future.
The decision to open up desktop browsers to a crypto wallet is part of the company’s long-term strategy of focusing on more demanding users with built-in features. “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 Krystian Kolondra, EVP Browsers.
In how long will all browsers support crypto payments as default? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Images courtesy of Shutterstock, Opera.
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