Norwegian web browser developer Opera (NASDAQ: OPRA) has released the new version of its Opera Touch browser for iOS, which also changes its name to Opera. The company is unifying its brand and products across multiple platforms to provide users with a seamless browsing experience across all devices.
"Since the arrival of iOS 14 last year, when Apple announced that users could change their default browser, we have seen tremendous interest in our featured browser for iOS, especially among users in North America and Europe," explains Jona Bolin, Opera Product Manager for iOS. »Today, millions of users around the world choose Opera as their mobile browser for their next generation iOS devices."
The change of brand from Opera Touch to Opera coincides with the celebration of the third anniversary of this browser, born as an innovative alternative with a minimalist design. Thanks to its aesthetics and functionality, Opera Touch has been awarded with both the Red Dot Design Award 2018 than with the iF Design Award in 2019.
The ideal browser for iOS devices
With a new look in iOS, Opera features a modern user interface, which retains its minimalist design and features that Apple users appreciate the most. The first change that those who have installed it on their devices will notice is that the application icon changes from Opera's purple to corporate red.
Opera's revamped user interface for iOS means a cleaner, simpler design that gives the browser a cleaner look. The diagonal background pattern, so far characteristic of Opera Touch, changes for new elements without shading or relief, to which are added, in the lower band, new icons and a quick action button.
The interface colors have also been updated, with more impactful and intense tones. The purple with which this browser was born disappears and the chromatic range of all the themes is renewed: light, dark and private mode. Every page, every background, text or element has been redesigned to offer a new and more attractive look. The quick action button has been made more transparent and the number of shadows has been reduced to improve the readability and visibility of the site.
“We plan to continue adding more UI changes in the coming months. It will be updates that will improve usability and aesthetics to offer our users a more enjoyable browsing experience on their beautiful iOS devices. It's something no other browser available on the App Store offers right now, ”he says bolin.
The perfect combination with PC and Mac
The Opera browser for iOS is perfect for those who use Opera on their laptops or desktops. When the user clicks the "Flow" or Flow icon in the sidebar, a QR code is displayed, which can be scanned with the Opera browser on their iOS device. The connection securely connects both computers to share links, notes, images, files, etc. no security issues and no need to log in every time you log in.
Opera for iOS also incorporates a crypto wallet that allows users to send and receive cryptocurrencies, make blockchain transactions, and browse the decentralized web. Users can synchronize their cryptocurrency wallet between devices to check balance and transactions on their smartphones or personal computers.
“Since the beginning of the year, there has been a boom in cryptocurrencies and the demand for cryptocurrency holdings has increased. However, there are people who haven't taken the step yet because they don't know where to start, ”he says bolin. “The Opera wallet is compatible with the Ethereum platform, one of the most used currencies. Once users top up their Opera wallet, they can start transacting and get virtual drives to store in their wallet '.
As part of its privacy and security enhancements, the Opera browser for iOS includes protection against data mining used by hackers to hijack CPUs and mine cryptocurrencies, as well as a cookie dialog blocker and ad manager.
Interest in Opera grows with the release of iOS 14
In September 2020, Apple announced the introduction of iOS 14. Since then, users have been able to change their default browsers from Safari. This change provided a great growth opportunity for Opera's flagship browser for iOS and resulted in it being chosen by more people in Europe and North America.
Opera for iOS has become Opera's fastest growing mobile browser in Spain, with its user base growing 90% year-over-year in February 2021. Therefore, Opera plans to continue expanding its user base of over 380 million users worldwide, of which 200 million choose products managed by smartphones.
The new version of the Opera browser for iOS is available for download on the App Store starting today.
