In an attempt to make things more social, Opera has launched a complete redesign of its desktop browser codenamed “reborn” adopting some messaging features from Neon, an experimental version of Opera. The new features include built-in support for Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and WhatsApp which allows users to chat from their opera browser using the new sidebar.
Instead of using the web or desktop versions of your favorite messaging apps, Opera 45 aka reborn neatly arranges them on the side of your browser window, allowing you to chat while you browse. There’s nothing particularly special about Opera’s versions of the messaging programs though. WhatsApp is just WhatsApp Web that everyone already uses, while clicking the Facebook Messenger takes you to Messenger.com. What’s different about Opera’s approach is that the messaging web apps don’t open in a new tab. Instead, the messengers appear in a panel that pops out from the browser’s left rail.
The shortcuts to Whatsapp, Messsnger etc are always visible on the Speed Dial homepage. And if you choose to pin the new sidebar, the shortcuts will stay available while you browse the web. You can as well pin the chat window so that it sits alongside your current tab. If you want to share a photo you’ve found online, simply drag it to the messenger’s icon and the browser will take care of the rest.
By default, Opera shows the Messenger and WhatsApp icons when you enable the new messaging feature (if you are an existing user). If you want to add Telegram shortcut to Opera browser sidebar, click on the Opera menu icon and going to Settings > Sidebar > Manage sidebar. The shortcuts are visible by default for new users of the Opera browser.
In addition to the new messaging features, Opera 45 comes with a few additional features. It now rocks lighter tabs and improved icons. You can also switch between light and dark themes and control how the browser blocks ads. Opera says that while only three services are available at launch, it hopes to add more in the near future.
You can download the latest opera at www.opera.com.
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