We have always had a soft spot for Opera, in that we want it to succeed but can’t be bothered downloading it. We have to admire that it keeps adding new features to butter up users.

The latest addition is a messaging sidebar built directly into the browser interface. From the sidebar, users can log into their WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram accounts, and chat with friends and family without ever leaving Opera itself.

All this appeared in the experimental Neon browser, which was designed. It’s now being ported over to the main browser as part of a visual refresh the company has dubbed “Reborn.”

As well as the messaging sidebar, Opera Reborn debuts a redesigned UI, offering animated icons, colourful themes, and a dedicated dark mode.

The browser includes other features Opera has added over the past year, including a built-in ad-blocking tool and access to a free, unlimited VPN. Which would be rather handy if you are living in the UK and want to watch porn.

The downside of all this is that you have a crowded interface, but Opera says users are saving time by not having to switch from browser to chat windows. Although it does mean that you spend more time chatting because you can see the messages as they appear.