On Wednesday, one of the top crypto-friendly browsers, Opera, issued a press release stating that it would incorporate eight blockchains on its browsers. The move is part of Opera’s actions towards bringing Web3 closer to its users (both on mobile and desktop), who are now estimated to be nearly 390M.
Why IoS Users Are Excluded
Part of the official statement confirms that the other seven blockchains asides from Ethereum are StarkEx, Nervos, Ronin, Celo, Polygon, Solana, Bitcoin, and IXO. A top-level executive of Opera’s crypto arm, Susie Batt, revealed that “the polygon blockchain is now accessible to our users and we are working on integrating the rest.”
However, only android browser users can access these features right now as the company is yet to make the same features available for IoS users. Unfortunately, the company hasn’t specified a date these integrations will be available for IoS users.
Starting from March 30, Opera users can start accessing dApps of Solana and Polygon and layer 2 DeFi projects through StarkWare-built DiversiFi. Opera browser will also support the ronin network, the blockchain on which the popular Axie Infinity play-to-earn project is built.
Opera And Its Web3 Agenda
Two months ago, the crypto-friendly browser launched a beta version of its crypto-compatible browser (CCB). The CCB project is a separate browser with in-built features that enables accessibility to dApps and a non-custodial crypto wallet. Other features of the CCB include a crypto corner that displays the latest market information, price updates, and other crypto-related news. Also, it displays upcoming crypto events and details of impending airdrops.
A top-level executive of Opera’s mobile browser subsidiary, Jorgen Arnesen, remarked that “eventually, Web3 will be the primary web technology. Most users may not even realize they are using it. It is a technology that offers true privacy browsing experience and other upgraded user experience.”
Opera’s Crypto-Related Offerings
Opera has been launching crypto-related offerings for the past four years as its users continue to demand these offerings. However, other browser platforms are also tapping into opportunities through the Web3 space.
One of such browser platforms is brave. Brave’s crypto browser is integrated with a crypto wallet. However, it is yet to integrate any blockchain, unlike Opera. Hence, browsers can choose either brave or Opera to access DeFi projects (such as dApps) and layer-2 chains.
Batt recently remarked that “Opera shines because it is attracting mass audiences. It is making a complete switch from Web2 to Web3, with the latter having a better UI and creating a completely different UX for users compared to Web2.”
However, the Norwegian firm reiterated that it still requires layer-2 networks to onboard its massive userbase to the Web3 space. It is also important to note that blockchains aren’t immune to hacker exploits. On March 29, the Ronin network acknowledged a hack on its network, with hackers stealing $650M worth of digital assets.
James Thompson 
Michael Rafael