Even if you aren’t using the Opera web browser, today’s news is still likely to spark your interest at trying the upcoming release, as the latest developer test version includes a very interesting feature that other web browsers can only get through the use of extensions: a built-in VPN (virtual private network).
It seems that Opera’s last year acquisition of Canadian startup SurfEasy is finally bearing fruit, with the company baking the VPN service into the 38th iteration of its web browser for an easy, no-frills way for users to get private browsing, or access content that is blocked by a public or work firewall, something that many will surely appreciate. It currently routes traffic through servers in the U.S., Canada, and Germany, with more options set to become available with the arrival of the stable release.
Even as the peak of yearly PC sales may very well be behind us, Opera believes there’s still a need for further improvement in web browsers on the desktop front. Last month, they added a native ad-blocker and a video pop-out feature (essentially a picture-in-picture mode), and today they’re adding a built-in "unlimited and free" VPN, which Opera claims to offer most of the “must-have” functionality that you can get with paid VPNs.
If you’re looking to give the Opera 38 beta a go, you can download it here. To activate the new VPN feature, Windows and Linux users need to go to the “Privacy and Security” section in “Settings”, and Mac users will find the toggle by clicking the Opera menu and selecting “Preferences”.
Source: Opera Blog