Free Opera VPN App Arrives On Android

Opera has brought its free Virtual Private Network (VPN) application to Android, helping users of Google’s mobile operating system to block ads and tracking cookies, boost privacy, and access apps outside their intended geographic range.

The app has been available for iPhone and iPad since May and Opera claims it has more than one million users. A VPN has also been added to the company’s desktop browser but this has yet to roll out to all users.

Opera VPN Android

“The Opera VPN app for Android sets itself apart from other VPNs by offering a completely free service – without a data limit, no log-in required, advanced Wi-Fi protection features and no need for a subscription,” says Chris Houston, President of Surfeasy, Opera’s VPN division.

The VPN can choose from five server locations – USA, Canada, Germany, Singapore and The Netherlands – and promises to offer greater privacy than a normal connection.

The app can test to see if a Wi-Fi network is public and private, whether it is encrypted, how many other devices are on the connection and if the IP address or location are exposes, potentially exposing details and information.

Opera bought SurfEasy last March and has sought to expand its user base by adding differentiating features such as VPNs, native ad blocking and data crunching algorithms to reduce mobile data use.

According to NetMarketShare, Opera has a 6.2 percent share of the mobile browser market and 1.4 percent of the desktop sector.

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