Opera’s new WhatsApp gig: Talk while you browser or work

The company has introduced a new browser that integrates Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Telegram.

The company has introduced a new browser that integrates Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Telegram. (Opera)

Opera, a company known for making web browser for desktops and mobile, has launched a new browser codenamed Reborn that allows a user to chat on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Telegram while they are browsing the internet.

A side window opens up from the left side of the browser to let you access the window that has the chat applications. Other apps such as Viber and WeChat are not yet included in the support, although the company told CNET it is working to make them available soon.

Watch how Opera Reborn works

However, Opera is lagging behind Google Chrome and Apple's Safari in terms of user base but has worked on bringing nifty features to its browser that was later adopted by many browsers. Last year, the company introduced an integrated ad-blocking feature and built-in currency converter that allows online shoppers to see converted rates simply by highlighting the price of a product or service.

The screenshot shows the Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and other apps that appear on the left bar in the new Opera browser. (Opera)

The screenshot shows the Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and other apps that appear on the left bar in the new Opera browser. (Opera)

In the new browser, you can pin supported messaging apps to the sidebar as shortcuts. That means no more having to toggle between tabs or windows, even if WhatsApp is always just an Alt+Tab away.

"Using WhatsApp on Opera is exactly the same as using the web service," Krystian Kolondra, Opera's Executive Vice President of Desktop, told CNET on potential privacy concerns. "Like other browsers and websites, Opera does not have access to any information shared or transmitted via this service."