Version 44 of the Opera web browser has got a revised user interface with plenty of changes. A new build from the development branch demonstrates the new appearance of the browser. Let's see what has changed.
A new build, codenamed 'Reborn', comes with the following changes.
The browser got a new, high-quality graphical design that is less platform-specific. This means Opera will look identical on Windows, Linux and macOS. It features a smaller tab row which looks lighter than the current one in the stable branch.
The sidebar now has animations. It is visible all the time and not just when you open Speed Dial.
Opera’s sidebar has been moved from Speed Dial to the main browser window, similar to how it is in Opera Neon. This first version of the new sidebar gives you one-click access to important tools such as bookmarks, history, personal news and extensions. You can customize the tools that appear in the sidebar according to what you find useful.
The new sidebar introduces integration with Facebook's Messenger. Now it can be opened with one click from the sidebar. More social services are planned in the future. If you do not like the icon, you can right-click on the Facebook icon in the sidebar and hide it using the command inside the context menu.
Speed Dial has also been given a fresh look with smoother animations.
Opera 44 adds two color themes - a light theme and a dark theme. The light theme is used by default. It is possible to enable the dark theme using Settings as shown below.
Finally, the browser is getting a new installer. Once it is launched, it requires no further clicks. The latest version of Opera will be downloaded and installed automatically. This should save your time.
The portable version and the full installer are still available (via Opera Desktop).
You can download the Opera 44 browser here:
- Opera developer for Windows (Using Opera developer for Windows installer means Opera for Computers EULA is accepted)
- Opera developer for Windows (Portable version)
- Opera developer for macOS
- Opera developer for Linux – deb packages
- Opera developer for Linux – RPM packages
So, what do you think about this new version? Are you happy with the changes which are coming to Opera 44? Tell us in the comments.
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