Opera has released the latest stable version of its mobile browser for Android, with several updates, including the introduction of a built-in VPN service . The company has provided VPN functionality in its desktop browser for years and has been testing it in beta for mobile users since February.
VPN use has become increasingly popular in recent years, as concerns about privacy and security online have grown. Especially when it comes to connecting a device to public Wi-Fi, or targeting advertising, users' concerns are growing even more.
For those who don't know, VPNs (virtual private networks) work by creating an encrypted connection from your device to a remote server, from which you can communicate with websites, without having to connect directly from your own IP address.
Opera previously offered its own VPN service to its users, called “Opera VPN”, but stopped providing it in 2018.
To enable VPN in Opera 51, first tap the Opera logo, then go to Settings and tap the toggle to enable VPN. There should be a VPN icon next to the address bar for quick access that also indicates whether you are connected. VPN is enabled by default in private tabs.
According to the company, the new update to its VPN service is available completely free of charge, offers unlimited bandwidth, while also offering a secure connection.
The update also brings a few other changes, including support for “crypto-pairing” between Opera on the desktop and your smartphone, for secure access to crypto wallets. It also offers faster startup times, support for speech-to-text APIs, and improvements to the browser’s “fast scroller” features.
