Opera has launched Opera Touch, a new mobile web browser designed to be used with just one hand. As well as the one-handed functionality, Opera Touch comes with a feature called Flow, which lets you share content between your smartphone and your computer.
Designed for One-Handed Browsers
As detailed on the Opera Blog, Opera Touch has been designed with users in mind. Citing research that 86 percent of smartphone users like to use their phone with one hand while doing something else, Opera Touch has been made for one-handed browsing.
To facilitate this, Opera has created the Fast Action Button (FAB). This button is always within thumb’s reach, and gives you access to recent tabs and search functions. It means you should never have to bring your other hand into play while browsing the web.
The other main feature of Opera Touch is the new Flow feature. This lets you share photos, videos, and links between Opera Touch and the desktop version of Opera (v52 and up). And all you need to do is scan a QR code to establish a connection between the two.
For Opera users who like to browse one-handed (for whatever reason; we’re not judging) Opera Touch could be a revelation. So if you want to try it out for yourself, Opera Touch is available on Android right now, with a version for iOS in the works.
Opera Faces an Uphill Battle
The challenge Opera faces is persuading people to ditch their current mobile browser in favor of Opera Touch. Because as good as Opera Touch and its new features may be, people tend to stick with what they know for as long as possible. Just like their banks.
The ability to operate Opera Touch with one hand is great. And Flow makes the process of sharing content between your desktop browser and your mobile browser easier than ever. But is this enough? Opera Touch may need some even bolder features to gain traction.
Does Anyone Remember Opera Neon?
This isn’t the first time Opera has attempted to disrupt the browser market. In January 2017, Opera launched an experimental web browser called Opera Neon. And while it hasn’t been updated in a while, it represents a bold vision for the future of browsers.
