Opera 56 is out, here is everything you need to know

The final version of Opera 56 is out. It is a modern web browser with interesting and exclusive features you may or may not like. Let's see what's new in this version.

Zoom Level Indicator

As you may remember, Opera was the only mainstream browser which didn't display the current page zoom level. Other modern browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox have such a control for many versions. Finally, the page zoom level indicator is now available in Opera. The feature was merged with version 56 from Opera 57 Developer.

You will be able to adjust the page zoom level for all web pages at once by visiting Settings > Basic > Appearance > Page zoom. If you have changed the zoom level for an individual web site, go to Settings > Advanced > Privacy and security > Content settings > Zoom levels.

Volume Control For Video Pop Out

In Opera 56, you can control the volume on your video pop-out. The volume control looks as follows:

Disable the scroll to the top feature

The scroll to the top of the page feature allows the user to instantly scroll to the top of the web page by clicking on the active tab. Many users requested to have the ability to disable or enable this feature.

Today's build features a new option on the Settings page, under Advanced > User interface > Scroll on active tab on tab clicked.

 

Enhanced address bar

The enhanced address drop down available in Opera 56 will show a mini version of the Speed Dial page which supports operations like 'copy', 'paste' and 'save web page'. It also allows taking screenshots using the built-in Snapshot feature, and more.

To open the enhanced dropdown while on Opera’s start page, click on the combined address and search bar and press the down arrow key on your keyboard. To open the dropdown while browsing the web, simply click on the combined address and search bar.

Your Speed Dial folders will appear in the dropdown, so there is no need to go to the start page to look for them.

This feature is still a work-in-progress, so you may run into issues with it.

Categories of Settings

Starting in Opera 55,  the Settings page includes two categories: Basic and Advanced. Opera 56 developer comes with the four sections: Basic, Privacy and security, Features and Browser.

Here is their official description.

Basic includes options for blocking ads, wallpapers, appearances, the sidebar, synchronization, search engines, default browser choices and on startup options.

The following three sections are nested in Advanced. You can click Advanced in the left sidebar of the settings page to reveal the remaining sections.

Privacy and security includes preferences for privacy and security and webRTC.

Features includes options for Opera’s VPN, battery saver, Instant Search, My Flow, search pop-up, video pop out, personal news and Opera Turbo.

Finally, Browser includes options for the start page, the user interface, languages, downloads, system, shortcuts and for reset settings.

Configure sponsored content in the bookmarks bar

Another important change of this release is the ability to get rid of the partner bookmarks.

You can now toggle the 'sponsored content as Speed Dials or bookmarks' feature off in the Advanced section of the settings page. Before you do so, please consider that, as a product delivered to you free of charge, you support Opera by keeping sponsored content switched on.

Download Opera 56

• Opera Stable for Windows
• Opera Stable for macOS
• Opera Stable for Linux – deb packages
• Opera Stable for Linux – RPM packages