Thanks to the advent of larger smartphone displays one-handed usage has been tougher than before. Yes, with the 18:9 ratio FullView display the smartphones may have become ergonomically better but single-handed usage is still difficult. Android and iOS have combated this issue by introducing a one-handed mode, however even this fails in some use cases. Opera has decided to tackle this problem and has released a new mobile Browser for one-handed use.

Opera has named the browser “Opera Touch” and its entire interface is designed such that it aids single-handed usage. When opened, the browser is fired up the address bar automatically opens. One can start typing the URL or a search query. Whilst scrolling up the browser opens up a Fast Action Button appears at the bottom. This circular dial will include all the shortcuts and will also help you access open tabs or open a new tab.

The best part of it all is that Opera Touch places all the buttons on the bottom instead of the top. This has been a major grouse with other browsers including Chrome, in order to open new tabs or access the opened tab one has to reach out to the top of the display. Interestingly the Opera Touch also bakes in a “continue from computer” feature. With this, you can simply continue working on the browser across devices without having to open the tab. Moreover, if you want to send a particular site over to the desktop browser you can do so by using another feature called “Flow.” That’s not all, the flow also creates a list of websites that you usually transfer to other devices so that you can easily scroll back and look for the same.

That being said, it sets me to wonder if the one-handed usage and the bouquet of other related services will convince users to shift to Opera Touch browser. Personally, I have been sticking with Safari browser on my iOS and Chrome on my Android and none of the previous browser updates have helped me change my mind.