New Opera update adds Web 3 support and a built-in crypto wallet

The added Web 3 support aims to make crypto, blockchain and other Web 3 technologies more accessible.

The latest update to hit web browser Opera contains an inbuilt crypto wallet and Web 3 support.

‘Web 3’ refers to the emerging technologies implementing crypto, blockchain and distributed systems. Though those technologies are still a considerable way off from widespread adoption, the new update aims to implement them in a way that will be “user-friendly and seamless,” to make crypto and other Web 3 technologies more accessible to users, according to a blog post published by the company yesterday.

“Until now using cryptocurrencies online and accessing Web 3 required special apps or extensions, making it difficult for people to even try it out.” the company noted. “Opera removes that friction.”

Following the update, the Opera Android browser will support Ethereum, which will permit users to make transactions while also letting developers create decentralized apps. The browser itself accesses the Ethereum blockchain through Infura: a scalable blockchain infrastructure that specializes in providing secure and reliable access to Ethereum and IPFS.

“It’s a significant step for one of the world’s leading browsers to add an Ethereum-based crypto wallet and Dapp explorer, and speaks to Opera’s innovative roots and commitment to embracing next generation technology. We see this as an important moment in improving Dapp accessibility, opening Web3 to mainstream audiences, and encouraging developers to build on Ethereum”, said Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin.

Lubin also founded ConsenSys, which previously invested in Infura.

As stated on the company’s blog, Opera users will need to purchase some of Ethereum’s ETH currency and store it in their Opera Crypto Wallet before they can access the browser’s Web 3 apps, which are all available in a Dapp store within the in-built crypto wallet.

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