Opera Crypto Browser integrates MetaMask in time for the Ethereum merger
Opera Crypto Browser, the Web3-based browser that supports decentralized blockchain applications, from Opera Software now supports the MetaMask crypto wallet, the company said on Tuesday, ahead of the long-awaited Ethereum Merge upgrade expected to be completed tonight.
Opera launched Crypto Browser in January to provide users with easy, direct access to Web3 technologies such as blockchain-based cryptocurrencies, applications, non-fungible tokens, games and metaverse applications without the need for additional applications.
Web3 is the name of the next iteration of the web, called the decentralized web, built on blockchain technology where applications run peer-to-peer without the need for centralized services and support token economies. Fundamental to entering these economies are wallets.
MetaMask is one of the most popular crypto wallets on the market with more than 10 million monthly users as of August 2021. It is now supported by the crypto browser along with hundreds of other wallets. Users can select wallets with a new feature in the Wallet Sector, as long as they are available as Opera or Chrome extensions.
Opera chose to launch this feature ahead of an event with Ethereum, the second largest blockchain by market capitalization, which will switch its energy-intensive “proof-of-work” validation system to a “proof-of-stake” system, known as the Merger . It will reduce the amount of energy the blockchain uses by over 99% and set it up for future upgrades that will make it more scalable and secure.
“The upcoming merger is the most important technological update in crypto history that will move Ethereum from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake, making it more scalable, secure, sustainable and ready to be used by mainstream users,” said Susie Batt, Head of Crypto Ecosystem at Opera. “Opera is the only browser that is truly ready for this shift and the only one that offers web users all the tools they need to try Web3 in a safe environment.”
The crypto browser also has features that make it easier for users to use Web3 decentralized applications, called dapps, with the wallet. It seamlessly integrates and resolves human-readable wallet domain names using crypto handles like “Jane@opera” and Ethereum Name Service domains like “example.eth.”
In addition, Opera Crypto Browser has partnered with DappRadar, a service that tracks and analyzes dapps to produce valuable metrics about markets, behavior, details and other information, to give users access to more than 11,000 decentralized applications.
All of these dapps are now accessible through the crypto browser as easily as they would be through any other browser, through the address bar. Users identify themselves by using one of their wallets, which is accessible via the Wallet Selector.
“The development of the world’s first crypto-browser is a realization of our goals to provide the tools that enable open access to the Web3,” said Batt. “Not only have we provided a gateway to Web3, but we have also simplified many everyday processes native to the crypto space that may have previously confused the average web user.
The Opera Crypto browser is available for download on Android, iOS, Windows and Mac. Wallet Selector is available on the desktop versions of the browser.
