Otter Browser is a free and open-source, cross-platform web browser designed to recreate the functionality and user experience of the classic Opera 12.x browser, while leveraging modern architecture and technologies.
Purpose and Background
Otter Browser was created in response to the changes made by Opera Software, particularly their shift from the Presto layout engine to WebKit and later Blink. This transition left many Opera users dissatisfied, prompting developer Michał Dutkiewicz to initiate the Otter Browser project in 2014.
Key Features
Interface and Compatibility
- Otter Browser replicates the classic Opera interface, including a traditional status bar with a zoom slider, a sidebar panel for bookmarks, RSS feeds, and downloads, and support for mouse gestures and keyboard shortcuts.
- It uses the QtWebEngine (Blink) as its rendering engine, ensuring good web compatibility and minimal issues with popular websites like Reddit and Google Search.
Customization and Control
- Users have extensive control over browser settings, including cookie management, cache control, and advanced configuration options accessible from the sidebar.
- The browser supports user scripts, although it currently lacks support for extensions. However, future versions are planned to include extensions support.
Content Management and Blocking
- Otter Browser includes a content blocking system with support for EasyList and other custom filter lists, similar to Adblock Plus.
- It features a powerful feed reader for RSS and Atom formats, a note-taking system compatible with Opera Notes, and tools for managing local cache content and SSL certificates.
Advanced Tools
- The browser offers a range of advanced tools, including a cookie editor, session manager, web page inspection tool, and the ability to change the user agent.
- It also supports creating arbitrary menus on the panel, customizing the bookmark bar, and taking screenshots of web pages.
Modularity and Flexibility
- Otter Browser is built with a modular design, allowing users to replace components such as the bookmark manager or browsing history interface. It currently supports backends based on QtWebKit and QtWebEngine, with potential future support for the Mozilla Gecko engine.
Additional Features
- The browser includes features like spell checking, URL completion, speed dial, and a tab history panel. It also supports muting separate tabs and has a built-in interface for viewing news sources.
Future Developments
- The developers plan to integrate additional features in future versions, such as tab grouping, form auto-complete, extensions support, and an integrated email client, among others.
In summary, Otter Browser is a feature-rich, highly customizable web browser that aims to provide users with the familiar and powerful features of classic Opera, while ensuring compatibility with modern web standards. Its open-source nature and modular design make it an attractive option for users seeking more control over their browsing experience.