Today June 24, Opera developers announced a new version of their browser which is available for Linux, Windows and Mac. In Linux it can be installed in formats deb, RPM y snap
What confinement left us
According to a survey by the company behind the browser, 65% of people have spent more time online in the last year and a half. Two-thirds have also spent more time online during their free time. That is why the new browser Opera 77 (internally known as R5) focuses on facilitating activities such as video conferencing, entertainment and collaborative work.
What's new in the new version of Opera
Pop-up window for video calls
The aforementioned Opera survey revealed that 57% of respondents use the browser to make video calls. But, while answering the call, they like to do other activities with the browser.
A new functionality compatible with Google Meet, Zoom and Microsoft Teams places the video of the call on the other tabs when we leave the one we used for the video call and it returns to the original size when we return to it. There is also the option to control the opacity of the floating window.
If you are one of those who have many tabs open and it is difficult for you to locate the one you need, Opera marks it with a red bar. You can also set a keyboard shortcut.
Notice board (Pinboards)
The new feature is a virtual bulletin board that allows us to collect websites, images, links and notes visually and share them with others, regardless of the device from which they access.
Sharing a bulletin board simply involves sharing a link, and those with whom it is shared can see everything the bulletin board owner posts, as well as react with emojis.
Dashboards look good regardless of browser or device, and no registration is required to use the feature. Its use is free for everyone. But, to create a new bulletin board you have to use Opera and update to the latest version.
Music playback compatible with more services
Opera already had native access to music from Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube via the Player feature in the sidebar. This edition increases the number of supported music services, including Deezer, Tidal, SoundCloud and Gaana.
The player now has additional controls for music playback. Simply hover your mouse over the player icon in the sidebar to bring up a pop-up mini control, and skip, play, pause, or drag the playback timeline, without having to open the function panel.
Search between tabs
Opera comes with a Tab Search feature that allows you to find a specific tab by typing keywords. Tabbed search is opened with the shortcut CTRL + space, and searches both the tab titles and the page content.
In the event that you have several browsers connected to the same Opera account, BUsing tabs will also show the tabs that are open on all connected devices.two. Opera also indicates when there are duplicate tabs.
Visual aspect
The system settings of the new version of Opera are better suited to light and dark themes as well as including new wallpapers.
Messenger service
The integrated messaging function in Opera's sidebar allows you to chat and browse at the same time, without having to switch applications or open tabs. Operates orIt currently offers native access to Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram and VKontakte. Instagram and Twitter can also be used directly from the sidebar.
I am very fond of Opera because in the old days it was what saved us Linux users when we had to navigate sites designed only for Internet Explorer. However, after they ditched their own engine and changed ownership, I stopped using it. This release promises to make me a frequent user again.