Opera GX - Detailed Review
Privacy Tools
Opera GX - Product Overview
Introduction to Opera GX
Opera GX is a web browser specifically crafted for gamers, but its versatile features make it appealing to a broader audience as well.
Target Audience
The primary target audience for Opera GX is PC gamers. However, its unique and extensive set of features also make it an attractive option for anyone looking for a feature-rich browsing experience.
Primary Function
Opera GX serves as a web browser that integrates various tools and features to enhance the browsing experience, particularly for gamers. It aims to provide a seamless and resource-efficient way to browse the web while gaming or multitasking.
Key Features
Resource Management
One of the standout features of Opera GX is GX Control, a resource manager that allows users to monitor and limit the browser’s use of CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth. This ensures that the browser does not interfere with gaming or other resource-intensive activities.
AI-Powered Tools
Opera GX includes AI-driven features such as AI Prompts, which help users summarize text, generate content, and explore topics of interest. Additionally, it offers sidebar access to ChatGPT and ChatSonic, enabling users to perform a variety of tasks like writing code, learning music, or drafting text.
Customization and Integration
The browser offers customizable themes and sounds, as well as social integrations with platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, and Instagram. It also includes a built-in adblocker and a VPN function for enhanced privacy and security.
Gaming-Centric Features
Opera GX features GX Corner, which provides gaming news, deals, and updates. This keeps gamers informed about the latest developments in the gaming community.
Multi-Monitor Support
The browser is optimized for multi-monitor setups, allowing users to manage resources effectively while using multiple screens for different tasks, such as gaming and browsing simultaneously.
Additional Features
- Dark Mode: Forces pages into dark mode for easier reading.
- Mobile App: Available for on-the-go browsing.
- Network Bandwidth Management: Allows users to allocate specific amounts of bandwidth to different applications.
Overall, Opera GX combines essential browser features with unique tools that cater to the needs of gamers and heavy internet users, making it a versatile and feature-rich browsing option.
Opera GX - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Opera GX is crafted with a strong focus on gamers’ preferences and usability, making it both engaging and user-friendly.New Design and UI
The latest update to Opera GX introduces a brand-new UI based on the ‘Underwave’ design approach. This new design gives the browser a sleek, game-oriented look with dynamic radial gradients, transparent elements, and minimalistic borders, adding depth and dimension to the interface.Customization Options
Opera GX offers extensive customization options, allowing users to personalize nearly every aspect of the browser. This includes adjusting the layout and transparency of interface elements, choosing from various themes, and customizing sounds, music, and even fonts. Users can also select from new mods like the Underwave Mod and Tech Mod, each with unique colors, music, and sound effects. Additionally, users can create and switch between different mod presets to suit their preferences.Accessibility and Ease of Use
Opera GX includes several features to enhance ease of use and accessibility. Users can adjust zoom levels using keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl or Ctrl -) to enlarge text or images, which is particularly helpful for users with visual impairments. The browser also allows customization of keyboard shortcuts to facilitate navigation for users with mobility impairments.Performance and Responsiveness
The update introduces a new Multithreaded Compositor UI engine, which significantly enhances the browser’s performance and responsiveness. This engine ensures smooth animations, shaders, and mod performance, even when multiple customizations are in use. This improvement makes the browser faster and more efficient, especially beneficial during gaming sessions.Visual Comfort
To improve visual comfort, especially during late-night use, Opera GX includes the MidnightFX shader. This feature reduces blue light exposure and adjusts page contrast, making the web gentler on the eyes. Additionally, the Forced Dark Mode applies dark mode to all web pages, further enhancing eye comfort.Additional Features
Other notable features include a Focus mode with contrast control, new tab features, and the integration of Aria, Opera’s AI tool. Aria, accessible via the command line (Ctrl / or cmd /), helps users refine queries and generate content quickly and accurately. This AI feature is available in Opera GX by enabling the “Early Bird” option in the settings.Conclusion
Overall, the user interface of Opera GX is highly customizable, visually appealing, and optimized for performance, making it an engaging and user-friendly browser for gamers. The various features and improvements ensure a smooth and enjoyable browsing experience. Opera GX - Key Features and Functionality
Opera GX Overview
Opera GX, a browser specifically tailored for gamers, incorporates several innovative features that combine privacy tools and AI-driven functionalities. Here are the key features and how they work:AI-Driven Features
Image Generation
Aria, the AI assistant in Opera GX, can generate images from text prompts using Google’s Imagen2 model. Users can create up to 30 images per day and have the option to regenerate images if they are not satisfied with the results. This feature allows users to visualize text descriptions, making it useful for a variety of tasks.Image Understanding
Aria also has the ability to understand and provide context for images uploaded by users. This means users can upload an image and ask Aria questions about it, such as identifying the brand and model of a headset or solving a math problem depicted in the image.Voice Output
Using Google’s WaveNet model, Aria can read answers out loud. This is particularly beneficial for users who prefer to multitask, use screen readers, or need to hear information instead of reading it.Chat Summary and Links to Sources
The chat experience with Aria has been enhanced with two new features: “Chat Summary” and “Links to Sources.” The “Chat Summary” provides a concise summary of the entire conversation, helping users quickly review important points. The “Links to Sources” feature supplies users with relevant links about the topics discussed, allowing them to delve deeper into the subjects and verify Aria’s responses.Privacy Tools
Tracking Protection
Opera GX includes a tracker blocker that prevents third parties from monitoring online activities. Users can customize the tracking protection levels and enable the tracker blocker for specific websites. This feature ensures that users are not constantly monitored without their consent.Password Management
The browser offers advanced password management with encryption to safeguard passwords. It includes a password generator that suggests robust, random passwords and autofill capabilities to ensure credentials are only entered on genuine websites. Users can also manage, view, and clear saved passwords, and synchronize them across devices securely.GX Cleaner
This feature allows users to delete browsing history, cache, and cookie data, freeing up resources to optimize gaming performance. It provides more granular control over what data is deleted, enhancing both privacy and performance.Fake My History
Opera GX includes an option called “Fake My History,” which automatically replaces browsing history with fake entries after 14 consecutive days of inactivity. This adds an extra layer of privacy, especially useful for users who share devices or forget to clear their history manually.Additional Features
Resource Management
Opera GX features GX Control, which includes CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth limiters. These limiters help manage the browser’s resource usage, ensuring that gaming performance is not impacted. Users can set hard caps on how much of the computer’s resources the browser can access.Built-in VPN and Other Security Features
Opera GX inherits several security features from the standard Opera browser, including a built-in VPN. This VPN helps protect user data and maintain privacy while browsing. Additionally, features like the “Redeem my soul” option allow users to set up a 14-day killswitch on their browser history, replacing it with fake, innocuous entries. These features collectively make Opera GX a powerful and privacy-conscious browser, especially tailored for the gaming community, with significant AI-driven enhancements to enhance user experience. Opera GX - Performance and Accuracy
Performance of Opera GX
Opera GX, positioned as the world’s first browser for gamers, shows a mixed bag of performance in various benchmarks and real-world usage.Benchmark Performance
In performance benchmarks, Opera GX generally keeps pace with other popular browsers but does not always lead. For example, in the Basemark 3.0 benchmark, Opera GX scored 331, matching Google Chrome but falling slightly behind Microsoft Edge’s score of 335. In the MotionMark benchmark, which assesses graphical performance, Opera GX scored 1,433, placing it last among the tested browsers, with Firefox leading at 1,561 and Microsoft Edge close behind at 1,546. In the Speedometer benchmark, which measures the responsiveness of web applications, Opera GX achieved 390 runs per minute, outperforming Mozilla Firefox but trailing Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.Resource Usage and Performance Issues
One of the notable limitations of Opera GX is its resource usage. Users on lower-end PCs often report significant CPU and RAM usage, which can lead to performance issues such as lag, slow typing, and jerky video playback. This high resource usage can make the browser unusable if resources are limited.Privacy and Security Features
Despite performance variations, Opera GX excels in its privacy and security features. It includes built-in tools such as tracking protection, which can be easily enabled through the browser settings. Users can also manage cookies and site data, and there is an integrated VPN option to enhance privacy and security.AI-Driven Features
Opera GX has recently integrated generative AI tools, including smart AI prompts and access to popular GPT-based services like ChatGPT and ChatSonic. These features allow users to generate content, summarize articles, and perform other tasks directly from the browser. However, these features are still in early access and require users to log in or sign up separately.Areas for Improvement
- Resource Management: One of the primary areas for improvement is managing resource usage, especially on lower-end hardware. High CPU and RAM usage can significantly impact the browsing experience.
- Optimization: Further optimization to match or exceed the performance of other leading browsers like Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome would be beneficial.
- Stability: Ensuring stability and smooth performance across different system configurations is crucial for a better user experience.
Opera GX - Pricing and Plans
Privacy Tools and VPN Services in Opera GX
When it comes to the privacy tools and VPN services integrated into Opera GX, here is a breakdown of the pricing structure and the features available in each plan:
VPN Pro
- Monthly Subscription: $5.99 per month.
- Yearly Subscription: $1.99 per month, which is a 67% discount.
- Features:
- Device-wide VPN protection, securing your entire system.
- Access to over 3,000 private network servers in 30 countries.
- Ability to secure up to six devices with one subscription.
- Seamless switching between virtual locations and hiding your IP address.
- Unlimited bandwidth and no-log servers with next-generation VPN encryption.
Free VPN
- Cost: Free, built into the Opera Browser.
- Features:
- Integrated into Opera Browser for mobile and desktop, no additional extensions needed.
- No-log virtual private network protecting browser privacy.
- Available for mobile and desktop devices.
- Limited server locations compared to VPN Pro.
- No data cap, but only applies to internet use within the Opera Browser.
- Data encryption and DNS leak protection.
- However, it does not offer system-wide protection like VPN Pro and is limited to browser activity.
Additional Features in Opera GX
While not directly related to VPN plans, Opera GX offers other features that enhance user experience, such as:
- RGX Mode: A free content-enhancing technology that improves video and image quality on webpages without requiring additional resources or GPU acceleration.
In summary, Opera GX offers a free VPN option integrated into the browser, as well as a premium VPN Pro service with more extensive features and broader protection, available at different subscription tiers.
Opera GX - Integration and Compatibility
Opera GX Overview
Opera GX, the gaming-oriented browser from Opera Software AS, integrates well with other Opera browsers and offers several features that enhance compatibility and synchronization across different devices.Synchronization
Opera GX syncs seamlessly with other Opera browsers, allowing users to access their browsing data across all devices. This includes syncing bookmarks, history, extensions, and settings. As long as you are signed in to your Opera account on both devices, all the data you have set to sync will be automatically synchronized, except for speed dial.Compatibility Across Platforms
Opera GX is compatible with both Windows and macOS, making it a versatile choice for users who operate on multiple operating systems. However, there is no native Opera GX browser for desktop Linux, though the standard Opera browser is available on Linux.Mobile Compatibility
Although Opera GX was initially only available on desktop, a mobile version of Opera GX was released on iOS and Android in May 2021. This allows gamers to have a consistent experience across their mobile devices as well. The mobile version integrates with the desktop version, ensuring that your browsing data and preferences are synced across all your devices.Integration with Other Tools
Opera GX integrates well with popular gaming platforms such as Twitch and Discord, allowing users to watch streams and communicate with friends directly from the browser. It also includes features like the GX Corner, which aggregates gaming-related news, releases, and deals.AI-Driven Tools
Recently, Opera GX has incorporated AI-driven tools, including AI Prompts and sidebar access to ChatGPT and ChatSonic. These tools enable users to summarize articles, generate content, and access a range of AI-powered services directly from the browser. These features are available in both the desktop and mobile versions of Opera GX, enhancing the browsing experience with generative AI capabilities.Additional Features
Opera GX also includes features like a built-in ad blocker, a free VPN, and a battery saver, which are common across other Opera browsers. The browser’s CPU and RAM limiter is particularly useful for gamers, ensuring that the browser does not interfere with gaming performance.Conclusion
In summary, Opera GX offers strong integration with other Opera browsers, seamless synchronization across devices, and compatibility with both desktop and mobile platforms, making it a comprehensive choice for users seeking a unified browsing experience. Opera GX - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Channels
Opera provides several channels for customer support, although they vary in their availability:Phone Support
For general Opera support, you can call the customer service number 472 369 2400. However, it is important to note that Opera GX specifically does not have dedicated phone support.Email Support
You can contact Opera’s customer service via email. The most commonly used email address is support@difyteam.com.Social Media Support
Opera offers support through various social media platforms, where you can leave messages or inquiries.Forum Support
Opera has a community forum where users can ask questions and get help from other users and Opera representatives.Self-Service Support
Opera provides a comprehensive knowledge base and support form on their website, which can be used for self-service support.Additional Resources
Aria AI
Opera GX includes an AI assistant named Aria, which is integrated into the browser. Here are some of its features:Information Retrieval
Aria can find information on the web and compile it from multiple sources to provide answers to your questions.Text Assistance
Aria can help with writing emails, tweets, social media posts, and other types of text in various styles.Content Summarization
You can ask Aria to shorten or summarize web content for easier absorption.Image Generation and Understanding
Aria can generate images from text prompts and understand images uploaded by users, providing information about them.Voice Output
Aria can read answers out loud using Google’s WaveNet model, which is helpful for screen readers or multitasking.Chat Summary and Links to Sources
Aria provides a summary of the conversation and links to sources for further context.Opera GX Features
Opera GX is a browser designed with gamers in mind, offering several unique features:Resource Management
It includes CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth limiters to ensure more resources are available for gaming.Hot Tabs Killer
This feature allows users to kill the most resource-draining tabs.GX Cleaner
This tool helps purge old and unwanted files.Community and Updates
To stay updated on Opera GX, you can follow @operagxofficial on social media platforms like X and TikTok, join the official Discord community, or subscribe to the Opera GX YouTube channel. By utilizing these resources, you can effectively manage and troubleshoot issues with Opera GX, as well as enhance your overall browsing experience. Opera GX - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Opera GX in the Privacy Tools Category
Opera GX offers several significant advantages when it comes to privacy and security:Privacy and Security Features
- Tracking Protection: Opera GX includes a tracking protection feature that blocks tracking scripts from loading, preventing third-party websites from tracking your browsing behavior. This helps keep your online activity private and reduces the risk of identity theft and other security threats.
Ad Blocker
- The browser comes with a built-in ad blocker that can be enabled with a single click. This feature not only removes annoying ads but also protects you from malicious ads and crypto mining scripts, making your browsing experience cleaner and faster.
Built-in VPN
- Opera GX has a free, built-in VPN that encrypts your browser traffic, hides your IP address, and masks your location. This VPN is a no-log service, meaning it does not collect any data about your browsing activity. This adds an extra layer of security and privacy to your online activities.
Cookie and Site Data Management
- You can manage and delete cookies, site cache, and other forms of site data that websites store on your computer. This helps in maintaining your privacy by clearing out data that could be used to track you.
Fraud and Malware Protection
- Opera GX warns you about suspicious webpages by checking them against databases of known blacklisted phishing and malware sites. This feature is enabled by default and helps protect you from potential online threats without compromising your browsing speed.
Secure Connections
- The browser indicates whether a website is secure through a security badge next to the address bar. This ensures that the connection between you and the website is encrypted and secure, protecting your data from being intercepted.
GDPR Compliance
- As a Norwegian browser, Opera GX adheres to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring your data is protected according to the highest European data protection standards.
Disadvantages of Opera GX
While Opera GX offers strong privacy and security features, there are a few points to consider:Limited Device Protection
- The free VPN in Opera GX only protects your activity within the browser and does not extend to your entire device. For full device protection, you would need to upgrade to Opera’s VPN Pro.
Dependence on User Vigilance
- While Opera GX provides several security features, it still relies on the user to be cautious about what they click on and where they go online. No security system can catch every malicious site, so user judgment is still necessary.
Potential Performance Impact
- Although Opera GX is generally efficient and uses less memory than competitors, enabling multiple privacy features could potentially impact browsing performance, though this is typically minimal.
Opera GX - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Opera GX
- Built-in VPN: Opera GX includes a free, no-log VPN that encrypts internet traffic, hides IP addresses, and allows users to change their virtual location. This is particularly useful for gamers who need to access content blocked in their region.
- Tracker and Ad Blocker: Opera GX features a tracker blocker and ad blocker that prevent third-party trackers from monitoring online activities and block intrusive ads. These tools can be customized to block trackers on specific websites and are updated regularly to stay ahead of evolving tracking techniques.
- Fake My History: This feature automatically replaces browsing history with fake entries after 14 days of inactivity, adding an extra layer of privacy for users who share devices or forget to clear their history manually.
- Phishing and Malware Protection: Opera GX checks webpages against databases of known blacklisted phishing and malware sites without collecting personal data, enhancing user safety.
Alternatives and Comparisons
Tor Browser
While not AI-driven, Tor Browser is a strong alternative for those prioritizing anonymity and privacy. It routes internet traffic through multiple nodes to hide user locations and activities, making it ideal for journalists, activists, and those living under oppressive regimes. However, it lacks the gaming-specific features and performance optimizations of Opera GX.
AI-Driven Data Privacy Tools
Tools like Protecto, Securiti AI, and DataGrail are more focused on enterprise-level data privacy and compliance rather than individual browser privacy. These platforms use AI to detect and protect sensitive information, automate compliance, and manage data consent, which is beyond the scope of Opera GX’s consumer-focused privacy features.
Key Differences
- Target Audience: Opera GX is primarily designed for gamers, offering performance optimization and gaming-specific features. In contrast, tools like Protecto and Securiti AI are aimed at businesses needing comprehensive data privacy solutions.
- AI Usage: While Opera GX does not use AI for data privacy in the same way as enterprise tools, its tracker blocker and other security features are regularly updated to counter new tracking methods. Enterprise tools, however, leverage AI for sensitive data discovery, risk assessments, and consent management.
- Customization and Performance: Opera GX stands out with its extensive customization options, including mods and performance optimization tools, which are not typical in other privacy-focused browsers or tools.
In summary, Opera GX offers a unique blend of privacy features, performance optimizations, and customization options that cater specifically to gamers. While it may not match the anonymity of Tor Browser or the comprehensive data privacy of enterprise AI tools, it provides a strong balance of privacy and gaming performance that sets it apart in its category.
Opera GX - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Opera GX
What is Tracking Protection in Opera GX and how do I enable it?
Tracking protection in Opera GX is a feature that blocks tracking scripts from loading, preventing third-party websites from tracking your browsing behavior. To enable it, go to the Opera GX menu, select ‘Settings,’ then ‘Privacy and security,’ and finally toggle on the ‘Tracking protection’ switch under the ‘Tracking protection’ section.
How does the built-in VPN in Opera GX work?
The built-in VPN in Opera GX encrypts your internet connection using strong AES-256 encryption and hides your IP address and location. This feature is a no-log service, meaning Opera does not collect any data about your browsing activity. To enable the VPN, go to ‘Settings,’ select ‘Privacy and security,’ then click on the ‘VPN’ drop-down and toggle the switch to ‘On’.
How can I manage cookies and site data in Opera GX?
To manage cookies and site data, go to the Opera GX menu, select ‘Settings,’ then ‘Privacy and security,’ and click on ‘Site settings.’ Here, you can toggle options on and off and delete data from specific websites.
What is Aria in Opera GX and how do I use it?
Aria is a browser AI built on Opera’s AI engine, using large language models to understand and respond to user queries. To use Aria, click the Aria browser AI icon in the sidebar on the left in the desktop version, or tap ‘Aria browser AI’ in the main menu on Android. You can chat with Aria to get information, generate text, or perform various tasks without needing an Opera Account, though having one provides additional features.
Is my data safe when using Aria in Opera GX?
Aria only accesses the information you provide in the chat and does not remember any data from previous conversations. Opera prioritizes privacy, ensuring that data is processed locally and not shared with other services. However, it is recommended not to include personally sensitive information in your Aria conversations.
How does Opera GX protect my privacy with site security badges?
Opera GX includes a security badge located next to the VPN icon in the address bar, which indicates whether a website is secure. This feature checks the webpage against databases of known blacklisted phishing and malware sites without collecting personal data, helping you avoid malicious sites.
Can I view the number of trackers blocked by Opera GX?
Yes, you can view the number of trackers blocked by Opera GX. Go to ‘Settings,’ select ‘Privacy and security,’ and then view the ‘Blocked trackers’ options to see a list of all trackers that Opera GX has blocked while you were browsing.
How does Opera GX’s ad blocker contribute to my privacy?
The ad blocker in Opera GX blocks intrusive ads and tracking scripts, which helps protect your privacy by preventing third-party websites from collecting your browsing data. This feature also improves browsing speeds by eliminating these elements.
Is Opera GX compliant with data protection regulations?
Yes, Opera GX is compliant with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as Opera Software is based in Norway, which is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) and adopts EU legislation. This ensures that your data is protected under the highest European data protection standards.
What best practices should I follow to maximize my safety while using Opera GX?
To maximize your safety, ensure you download Opera GX from the official website, be cautious about the extensions you install, and use the VPN when browsing on public Wi-Fi. Regularly update your browser and avoid visiting suspicious websites to further enhance your online security.
Opera GX - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Opera GX in the Privacy Tools Category
Opera GX, launched in 2019, is a browser specifically designed for gamers, but it also packs a range of privacy and security features that can benefit a broader audience.Privacy Features
Opera GX offers several notable privacy features:- Tracking Protection: This feature blocks tracking scripts from loading, preventing third-party websites from tracking your browsing behavior. You can enable and customize this protection through the ‘Privacy and security’ settings.
- Built-in VPN: Opera GX includes a built-in VPN that allows you to browse the web more securely and privately by masking your location and internet activity.
- Cookie and Site Data Management: Users can manage and delete cookies, site cache, and other forms of site data, providing more control over what websites store on your computer.
- Fake My History: This feature automatically replaces your browsing history with fake entries after a period of inactivity, adding an extra layer of privacy, especially useful for shared devices.
User Benefits
Opera GX would be particularly beneficial for:- Gamers: The browser’s resource-limiting features, such as CPU, RAM, and Network Bandwidth limiters, and the Hot Tabs Killer, ensure that gaming performance is not compromised by resource-intensive browsing.
- Privacy-Conscious Users: Anyone concerned about online privacy can benefit from the tracking protection, VPN, and cookie management features.
- Shared Device Users: The Fake My History feature is especially useful for those who share devices and want to maintain their privacy.
Data Collection Concerns
While Opera GX boasts strong privacy features, there are some data collection practices to be aware of:- Opera GX collects data on articles read in the news feed, geolocation, and certain mouse clicks. However, some of this data collection can be disabled.
Recommendation
For individuals seeking a browser with strong privacy features, Opera GX is a solid choice. Here are some key points to consider:- Privacy Tools: The browser offers a comprehensive set of privacy tools, including tracking protection, VPN, and cookie management.
- Gaming Performance: If you are a gamer, the resource management features can significantly enhance your gaming experience.
- Data Collection: While Opera GX collects some user data, much of it can be managed or disabled, which is a plus for privacy-conscious users.