When it comes to internet browsers consumers often choose between Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and even Windows Edge. However, while those might form the bulk of mainstream browsers on the market, there has been a steady rise in popularity for less well-known browsers such as Opera.
The Opera browser has seen multiple features added to it that have propelled it to popularity, such as adding an inbuilt VPN, adding a low-power mode, and more. The latest version of Opera, called Opera Reborn, is integrating Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and WhatsApp into its sidebar.
Accessing the different chat applications can be easily done by opening it as either an overlay or by pinning it side-by-side with your current tab. By pinning it, you are given the opportunity to both browse the internet whilst chatting simultaneously. For instance, you can also simply drag and drop things from the current page you’re browsing, directly into the chat window. Moreover, by clicking on “customise start page”, you can also choose which messengers you want have enabled in your sidebar. You can also switch between the various messaging applications with simple keyboard shortcuts.
The inspiration for the features can clearly be traced back to Opera Neon, the standalone concept browser that the Opera team released a while ago. This is further iterated by the new refined tabs and more functional sidebar. Furthermore, the new tab page wallpaper can be changed to a variety of pretty images as opposed to the default monotone background. Light and dark themes are also available as customisation options.
Other features highlighted with the update include ad blocker improvements. According to the Opera Blog post, “Now, Opera automatically reloads a page when toggling ad blocking on or off for that page. It’s especially useful if you want to quickly flip the switch, and it gives you much more control and comfort while browsing with ad blocker.”
Source: Opera Blog
