Opera is a multi-platform web browser developed by its namesake company Opera The browser is based on Chromium, but distinguishes itself from other Chromium-based browsers through its user interface and other features.
Opera was initially released on 10 April 1995, making it one of the oldest desktop web browsers still actively developed. It was commercial software for its first ten years and had its own proprietary layout engine. In 2013, it switched from the Presto engine to Chromium.
Opera is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and IOS. There are also mobile versions called Opera Mini and Opera Mobile. Opera users also have access to Opera News, a news app based on an AI platform.
Opera has originated features later adopted by other web browsers, including: Speed Dial, pop-up blocking, reopening recently closed pages, private browsing, and tabbed browsing. Additional features include a built-in screenshot tool, Snapshot, which also includes an image-markup tool; built-in ad blockers, and tracking blockers.
Built-in messengers
Opera’s desktop browser includes access to social media messaging apps WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and VK.
Usability and accessibility
Opera includes a bookmarks bar and a download manager. It also has “Speed Dial” which allows the user to add an unlimited number of pages shown in thumbnail form in a page displayed when a new tab is opened.
Privacy and security
One security feature is the option to delete private data, such as HTTP cookies , browsing history, items in cache and passwords with the click of a button.
Crypto-wallet-support
In 2018, a built-in cryptocurrency wallet to the Opera Web Browser was released, announcing that they would be the first browser with a built-in Crypto Wallet.