UPDATE 12/13: As of this morning, Opera's Crypto Wallet feature is now available in the browser's Android app.
The built-in wallet supports Ether (ETH) by default as its initial cryptocurrency through the Ethereum Web3 API, which will also give Opera users the ability to browse and access decentralized apps (DApps) built on the Ethereum blockchain. Opera for Android users will be able to acccess Ethereum DApps through Infura, an infrastructure platform that provides secure access to Ethereum.
The updated Opera for Android app with a built-in cryptocurrency wallet and Ethereum support can be downloaded from the Play Store. Opera plans to roll out the same capabilities for its PC browser on Mac, Linux, and Windows in 2019.
Original Story 7/11:
Opera wants to help you manage your cryptocurrency via a built-in digital wallet on Android.
Simply called "Crypto Wallet," the new feature will be available for Opera's Android browser as a private beta; interested parties can sign up here.
With dozens of cryptocurrency wallets available, what makes Opera's take any different? Well, it's primarily designed for user-friendliness. Crypto Wallet is directly integrated into the browser, meaning you can easily switch between surfing the web and making cryptocurrency transactions. This can be especially handy when visiting a site to make virtual currency-based purchases.
The wallet also features a simple user interface that does away with PIN numbers or passcodes to sign transactions. They are instead signed by using your Android device's unlock screen code, such as your fingerprint.
In addition, the wallet supports tokens and collectibles, including CryptoKitties. It also features integration with the Ethereum Web3 API, so you'll be able to visit decentralized web apps known as "Dapps" that've been built with the Ethereum blockchain.
Opera envisions the new wallet opening the door for more consumers and merchants to begin using and building around cryptocurrencies. "Paying with the Crypto Wallet is like sending digital cash straight from your phone, and we've just made it easier," Opera cryptocurrency product lead Charles Hamel said in a statement.
"Our hope is that this will accelerate the transition of cryptocurrencies from speculation and investment to being used for actual payments and transactions in our users' daily lives," he added.
Test users can access the wallet by going to the browser's right-hand corner and clicking the "O" icon.
The move comes after Opera 50 was released in January with a feature that blocks websites from siphoning your computer's CPU resources to mine cryptocurrencies.