- Opera Touch features an in-built cryptocurrency wallet and VPN
- Opera says the browser enables iOS users to take advantage of Web 3.0 via its Ethereum Web3 API
Building on the success of the Android and PC versions of the Opera browser with a built-in cryptocurrency wallet, Opera has announced the launch of the iOS equivalent named Opera Touch, which supports bitcoin (BTC), ERC-20 tokens, stablecoins and collectables, according to a Hard Fork report on June 26, 2019.
Opera launches crypto wallet for the iPhone
Per the report, the company has launched Opera Touch, the first web browser for iOS devices which features a built-in cryptocurrency wallet and Web 3 support.
The blockchain-ready application is coming months after its release on Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. As is the application’s mode of operation on other operating systems, the Touch crypto wallet can be used to store all ERC-20 tokens, stablecoins, and non-fungible tokens (NFT) on top of Ethereum.
Similarly, its Web 3.0 support which is made possible using an Ethereum Web3 API provides seamless access to decentralized applications on the Ethereum blockchain thereby taking away the need to use Metamask and other browser extensions.
iOS users can, therefore, take advantage of the Opera Torch by downloading it from the Apple App Store starting from today and they can optionally send Ethereum to its wallet in order to use the digital currency in decentralized applications (Apps).
Other features that have been coupled into the new application is an inbuilt free virtual private network (VPN) which Opera claims can provide online privacy and security. There’s also the ability to access blockchain applications by typing their URL on the application’s address bar.
The benefits of a built in wallet
According to Charles Hamel, Opera‘s head of crypto in a blog post on June 26, 2019, the U.S based company believes that all modern browsers should feature a crypto wallet in order to facilitate the emergence of new business models on the Web:
“Opera was the first browser to make the use of crypto on the Web seamless and easy. Following strong demand from the crypto-community, we are now making this experience available on iOS.”
He also stated that the Opera Touch web browser won Red Dot Design and Gold IF Design Awards for its user interface which provides ease of use and navigation on smartphones whose displays are large.
In related news, on May 15, 2019, Blockchain Reporter informed of Opera’s plans to additionally introduce support for the Tron (TRX) blockchain on its Web browser.