Now that Opera has our full attention, news coming in indicate that starting with Opera 37 and the mobile variants will incorporate native adblocking technology allowing web pages to load ‘up to 90% faster’ without the bloated pesky ads saving on RAM usage too in the process. This will be the first major web browser to have native adblocking but note that former Mozilla Firefox CEO’s Brave Browser fronted the bold move of a browser able to block ads natively, causing outrage by major advertisers. Here’s a short video clip showing you how it all works:
How to Turn on adblocking: Opera Adblocker is deactivated by default. To activate on desktop browser,go to Settings and toggle the ‘block ads’ button to turn it on (or off if it doesn’t work for you). You can deactivate the adblocker for specific websites by clicking the shield icon on your addressbar. Click on it a second time to activate it once again. To activate adblocker for Operamini, click the ‘O’ Opera logo and tap the data savings summary. Click ‘block ads’ to turn it on or back off.
Too little too late? Opera browser has traditionally fared terribly against Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari despite having a loyal following of users. Operamini has a solid foothold among Africans appreciative of the unrivaled data saving technology synonymous with Opera. That said, their sale to the Chinese conglomerate appeared to be the straw that broke the camel’s back and many predicted the end of an era. The Chinese do not have a good reputation where data is concerned, as seen by accusations of Chinese browser/search engine Baidu leaking sensitive information. In lieu of recent developments however, Opera is showing a doggedness that might just silence the doomsayers. Opera isn’t dead, it had taken a nap. What remains to be seen is how Chrome and Firefox will react to this new rejuvenated Opera.
