Over the past couple of months, I have seen more and more content creators talking about an Internet Browser called Opera.
I hadn’t come across this before, and I have generally been a Safari or Google Chrome kind of girl. There is nothing wrong with those browsers, but I was intrigued and thought why not try something new and if it could help my workflow etc.
So let’s dive straight in!
Tab Management:
I have never really looked at Tab Management and have just got used to have an endless number of tab open. Opera has changed my view on this, and having tabs that are grouped in what they call the Tab Island are easy to find with no effort on my behalf is great. So, how does Opera Manage your Tabs?
- Groups Similar Tabs Together
- Highlights Recently Opened Tab
This might sound simple, but it does make a difference when you don’t close down tabs on your browser. Opening a new tab will automatically create a new tab island (separate tab group) which each island gives a colour to identify the different islands.
You can also create your own tab island by highlighting the tabs you want to be on an island and right-clicking and selecting create tab island. You can collapse and move your tab island about which makes your tab bar organised and minimal.
Tab Emojis
This is a fun feature that Opera has added, been able to add an emoji to your tabs. You can add an emoji to your tab to make it stand out to make it that little easier to find. Or you can just us as a bit of fun 🙂
Side Bar:
As well as the Tab Islands at the top of your browser, there is also a handy sidebar. The reason that I like this feature is that it allows me to be able to access social media apps like Instagram and X quickly from your browser. I also have access to my messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger.
You can also customise the sidebar so you can add which apps you want to be able to access. This is easy to do, you just need to head into the sidebar settings and choice from there.
Split Screen:
This is my favourite feature and the one that I have been using a lot. It allows me to have two web pages open in the same window at the same time. This comes in super handy when researching topics for my blog post or YouTube Videos.
Just select the tabs in your tab island and right click and select split screen. You can also just drag the tab you want to add the current tab, and it will pop it into the window.
Video Popout:
Who knew that you needed this from your browser. When I am watching YouTube and want to switch to another tab I would just have the audio in the past but not now. Opera will pop out the video you are watching when you switch to another tab so you can continue to keep an eye on the video as you browse.
Security & Privacy:
Maybe these should be at the top of the list for this post, as security is such an important factor for people. Opera has thought about the consumer and their need to be able to trust their browser of choice and had included feature such as:
Secure Chromium Based Browsing:
With Opera built based on the open-source Chrome ecosystem it gets the benefits of the security ecosystem that it provides which include
- Encrypted DNS: Using Secure DNS over HTTPS Protocol, keeping your browsing data confidential.
- Secure add-on store: Opera Manual reviews add-ons before it’s added to the store.
- Security Updates: Chromium intakes and security patch for a secure experience.
Built in Ad Blocker & Tracker:
Opera have built in an Ad Blocker which prevents online advertisements from appearing so that you can browse the web distraction free. The Tracking Protection prevent trackers from being able to follow your browsing activities around the web.
Built in VPN:
Opera offer a free and premium VPN that is built into the browser. The VPN encrypts your connection and disguises your IP Address and location. Providing extra security from those trying to follow your activities and hack your details.
Final Thoughts:
This is a great browser that offers something different to the others that I have used. It feels like Opera has taken its time to think about how they can make a browser that covers all the bases that a user would want, but also what the user would find beneficial.
All the features that I have mentioned in this post has added to my experience when using a browser. I didn’t think that I would end up switching to Opera as my main browser, but I have been using this now for the past month. I can safely say I will not be going back to Safari or Google Chrome.
So if you fancy trying a new browser that is easy to use, helps keep you organised and improves your workflow, why not give Opera a go.
PS. I would love to hear your thoughts on Opera if you try it out or if you have already been using. Just leave me a comment below!