The latest version of Opera for Windows, Opera 49, is now available. Taking inspiration from Opera's concept browser, Opera 49 includes a new snapshot tool as one of its highlight features, as well as VR support, a new messenger integration, and some basic interface tweaks.
The new snapshot tool is probably what will come in handy for most users, offering up an easy way to capture portions of the screen and add a little bit of extra flair. There are options to either capture the full screen of a select portion by selecting the camera icon from the sidebar. Once captured, you can customize the screenshot by adding emoji, annotations, or even your own face with a selfie cam feature.
Opera 49 also includes a built-in VR player, becoming the first browser to support 360-degree video, Opera claims. the player works by automatically detecting an installed VR headset and offering a "Watch in VR" button on videos. While it's billed primarily as a way to watch immersive 360-degree videos in VR, Opera says that 2D videos and standard 180-degree videos can be watched in VR as well.
In addition to the VR player and the new snapshot tool, Opera has added VK Messenger to its list of built-in messaging clients in the sidebar. VK joins Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
In terms of smaller additions, Opera 49 will now let you rearrange extension icons next to the address bar. Opera has also slightly tweaked the design of the private mode window, tightened up the look of Opera 49 on HiDPI monitors, and added new currencies to the currency converter. For more, check out the full rundown at the Opera blog.
Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the Editor in Chief for Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. Got a hot tip? Send it to daniel.thorp-lancaster@futurenet.com.
