Opera became the first browser to integrate a native crypto wallet, allowing its users to make Bitcoin (BTC) payments directly from the browser in October 2019. Now, it has added support for Unstoppable Domains’ .crypto domain extension, giving its 360 million users access to decentralized websites.

To improve its blockchain-browsing experience for its users, Opera has introduced IPFS-protocol support, in partnership with Protocol Labs, which enables access to the cloudless, decentralized web.

‘The decentralized web is here!’

In a statement, Opera announced that it has collaborated with Unstoppable Domains, a San Francisco-based company that builds domains on blockchains, enabling its users to browse .crypto websites and make cryptocurrency payments through the browser.

Unstoppable Domains is backed by Tim Draper, a billionaire venture capitalist and Bitcoin advocate.

.crypto domains are now live in @Opera for Android! ???? Search a .crypto site just as easily as a .com This is the first time a major browser has supported domains not part of DNS. The decentralized web is here. Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/XV0s0A9dPA pic.twitter.com/HW4rJMaTR2 — Unstoppable Domains (@unstoppableweb) March 30, 2020

Blockchain domain names are stored on Ethereum’s decentralized public ledger, unlike .com or .org domains. Owning a .crypto domain name also makes crypto transactions easier with shorter addresses instead of a long set of numbers.

In addition to the browser’s integrated crypto wallet enabling access to Web 3, Opera’s users can send and receive cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tron, by registering their .crypto wallet addresses.

Not only can users make payments on the browser without a middleman and save their data in a decentralized and secure way, but they can also avoid censorship.

However, in countries with internet censorship and surveillance, decentralized websites can only help in publishing content using VPNs but not viewers who want to view the content.

Opera expands crypto buying feature

The announcement also stated that Opera is also expanding its Crypto Buy feature, 30-second crypto top-up, to more countries including:

Europe

Australia

New Zealand

Mexico

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Hong Kong

Charles Hamel, Head of Crypto at Opera browsers, discussed the ease with which users can transact cryptocurrencies on Opera and how these updates will take them one step closer towards mainstream cryptocurrency adoption. He said:

“Being able to acquire cryptocurrencies without having to go through an exchange, directly from the wallet makes the process easy for our users. Expanding this feature to more regions is key to driving blockchain-adoption.”

From December 2018, when Opera first launched its blockchain browser, built-in crypto wallet for Android and desktop browser, and then to its iOS browser, Opera has come a long way in its determination to boost crypto adoption.

Tech giants bringing crypto adoption to browsers

On similar lines, Unstoppable Domains has also been striving towards providing its users with blockchain-powered uncensorable websites and a simple payment system. Last month, the tech company announced its blockchain browser, with an aim to ease access to the decentralized web.

Much ahead in the decentralized-browser race is Brave, which was the first to promote crypto adoption using browsers. It was also the first and only browser to offer integrated cryptocurrency purchasing and trading to its users.

On March 24, Brave integrated a Binance widget that allows Brave users to seamlessly trade Binance-supported cryptocurrencies, deposit assets, and view balance summaries and deposit addresses.