In a first for the company, Opera is launching new browser software that has a built-in cryptocurrency wallet.

The browser maker said Wednesday that its “new version of the Opera browser for Android… combines easy-to-use crypto wallet functionality with support for the Ethereum Web3 API.” The browser is currently in private beta, which the company is now inviting new users to join.

This means users no longer have to open a new web browser or download a separate extension to send, receive and pay in cryptocurrency – now they can do so directly from a toggle on their browsers on mobile Android devices.

It is an especially useful announcement for developers of decentralized web applications – more commonly known as dapps – given that the new browser functionality indicates users can now more easily interact with dapps being built on the ethereum network.

Charles Hamel, the product lead on Opera Crypto, explained in a statement:

“We believe the web of today will be the interface to the decentralized web of tomorrow…By becoming the the first major browser to open up to Web 3.0, we would like to contribute to making the internet of the future more accessible.”

Boost to Web 3.0

That term “Web 3.0” refers to the vision of a decentralized Internet built on top of the ethereum blockchain that connects users to various dapps and peer-to-peer networks.

As previously reported, some dapps such WeiFund have already been developed for the express purpose of being used on Web 3.0-enabled browsers equipped with embedded wallets.

In effect, the newly released browser with built-in crypto wallet functionality by Opera boasts a “simple” user interface that builds on “existing browser wallets/dapp browsers…with a default WebView.”

As such, the company expects to lower “the entry barrier to Web 3.0 for users” and offer the path for those wanting to “venture into the world of dapps and cryptocurrencies.”

Wednesday’s launch follows an announcement in January, when the company introduced cryptocurrency miner protection for users of mobile Android devices as part of the browser’s native ad-blocker functionality.

Interface image courtesy of Opera