Opera has announced that it is not going to give up support for older Chrome extensions, despite the transition of the Google Chrome browser to the new Manifest V3 standard. Opera is leaving Manifest V2, which will allow, unlike Chrome, to continue to use ad blockers, including the popular uBlock Origin.
Image source: Opera
While Google Chrome is banking on Manifest V3 to supposedly improve security, Opera retains functionality that many users value. This difference in approach, according to TechSpot, could make Opera a more attractive option for users concerned about the removal of ad blockers in Chrome.
Let’s remember that in 2023, Google began implementing a mandatory transition to Manifest V3 for extension developers, forcing them to use less efficient technology in exchange for a stated increase in overall browser security. Although the new standard is marketed as more secure, many consider it less effective at filtering out intrusive advertising. Unlike Chrome, other Chromium-based browsers, notably Opera, have decided to continue supporting the old Manifest V2 standard, thereby maintaining their ad blocking advantages.
The recently released version of Opera One R2, which the company calls “the best Opera browser to date,” is focused primarily on supporting generative artificial intelligence technologies. The rebranding of Opera One, introduced in 2023, defines the browser as a product built from the ground up to integrate with AI services. New features include an improved command line for interacting with AI, as well as image generation capabilities and other innovations.
In addition, Opera One R2 offers an updated design with dynamic themes, animated backgrounds and sound effects. Integrated with artificial intelligence, all these innovations promise to make the browser experience more immersive and interesting.
The company also confirmed that despite global changes to Chromium, it retains the ability to make independent decisions about the development of its browser. This means Opera users can continue to use extensions like uBlock Origin without having to upgrade to lightweight versions like uBlock Origin Lite, or can use the native ad blocker that has been available in Opera since 2016.