Opera Software today announced the Crypto Browser Project, a new web browser released in beta with a built-in crypto wallet capable of allowing users to directly access web3 decentralized applications.

The crypto browser allows users to access web3 technologies such as blockchain-based cryptocurrencies, dapps, nonfungible tokens, games and metaverse applications directly without the need for additional extensions. The browser also features educational content such as podcasts, videos and crypto prices, transaction fees and market sentiment for traders at a glance.

Opera said that it wants to provide people access to “web3,” which could also be described as the peer-to-peer internet of decentralized applications based on blockchain technology. It has given rise to whole new ecosystems including NFTs, which are virtual items with provable ownership; decentralized finance, which permits money exchanges without middlemen; and GameFi, which includes the “play-to-earn” model that pays cryptocurrency for playing games.

“The Opera Crypto Browser Project is about more than just surfing traditional websites through a one-size-fits-all solution,” Opera said in its announcement. “It’s specifically designed to work with a variety of decentralized apps, or dapps, as well as provide deeper functionality than a traditional browser that has a basic web wallet add-on.”

Browsers have been a major way for people to get into crypto and web3 using wallet extensions that allow access to dapps. One of the most popular wallets is MetaMask, which provides access to Ethereum blockchain-based dapps directly from many browsers. In 2021, MetaMask had more than 10 million monthly active users and became the leading noncustodial wallet for users globally.

Opera is also well known for its privacy and security features, which are also baked into the browser, such as a free no-log virtual private networking service, a native ad blocker and tracker blocker. Users can also use a secure clipboard built directly into the browser that will allow them to safely copy and paste without leaking information.

In 2018, Opera began its journey into crypto with a built-in wallet, since then the company has continued to integrate support for other web3 technologies. With the wallet, users could interact with the Ethereum blockchain and dapps.

Since then, Opera has added integrations with the cryptocurrency bitcoin, decentralized domain name service Unstoppable Domains, as well as the Celo and Nevros crypto platforms. The company also announced partnerships with Layer-2 protocols Near, Polygon and Solana.

Competition with Opera in the crypto browser market includes the privacy-focused Brave browser, which includes an ad blocker and its own built-in wallet as well, which recently passed 50 million monthly active users, and Decentr, a fully blockchain-based browser that is itself a dapp.

The Opera Crypto Browser beta is available for download for Android, Windows and Mac, with an iOS version coming soon. Users can create their own Opera wallet upon installation or import an existing wallet as well.

Image: Opera Software