Opera, the Norway-based browser developer, has announced a major expansion of its sidebar integration, adding Bluesky, Slack, and Discord to the list of supported services. These platforms join an existing lineup of messaging apps, social media platforms, and AI tools already accessible from Opera’s browser.
This update aims to reduce tab clutter and enhance the browsing experience for users who frequently engage with these communication tools—whether for personal interactions, work collaborations, or community discussions.
Expanding Opera’s Sidebar Capabilities
Opera has long supported quick access to messaging and social media apps within its browser sidebar. Users have been able to integrate:
- Messaging services such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram
- Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter)
- AI tools including ChatGPT and Opera’s in-house AI assistant, Aria
Now, with the addition of Bluesky, Slack, and Discord, Opera is further positioning itself as a hub for communication and collaboration, offering users direct access to their most-used platforms without switching between tabs.
According to Joanna Czajka, Product Director at Opera, user feedback played a key role in shaping this update:
“We’re constantly looking at the feedback our users provide underneath our blog posts, on Opera forums, and through social media. Whether you’re working with your team on Slack, chatting with your friends on Discord, or keeping in touch with your community via Bluesky, we want you to be able to do that directly from Opera.”
Why Bluesky’s Integration is Notable
While the inclusion of Slack and Discord was expected—given their widespread use for workplace collaboration and community discussions—the decision to add Bluesky stands out.
Bluesky, a decentralized social networking platform that launched in 2023, is still relatively new compared to X (formerly Twitter) and Meta’s Threads. However, the platform has been gaining traction, recently surpassing 32 million users. By integrating Bluesky into its sidebar, Opera is giving users an alternative way to engage with decentralized social media without needing to keep a separate tab open.
A Browser Designed for AI and Productivity
This update aligns with Opera One, the company’s latest version of its browser, which launched in 2023. Opera One was designed for the AI-driven web era and introduced innovative features such as:
- Tab Islands – Automatically groups related tabs, making multitasking easier.
- Custom Emojis for Tabs – Allows users to visually organize their browsing experience.
- Modular Video & Music Players – Lets users pop out media players and move them anywhere on the screen.
The sidebar integration follows a trend seen in other browsers like Arc from The Browser Company, which also offers customized workspaces and embedded social apps. The approach isn’t entirely new—browsers like Flock, which shut down in 2011, previously attempted similar social integrations. However, with modern AI and productivity-driven interfaces, Opera’s latest update has the potential to significantly improve user workflow.
Final Thoughts: A Step Towards a More Connected Browser
By integrating Bluesky, Slack, and Discord, Opera continues to redefine the web browsing experience, making it more seamless and user-centric. The move not only helps reduce tab overload but also supports the increasing demand for all-in-one digital workspaces.
As Bluesky continues to grow, and Opera refines its AI-driven browser experience, this update could attract more users looking for a streamlined, integrated online environment. Whether for work, socializing, or decentralized social media engagement, Opera is making a strong case for itself as the browser of choice for modern multitaskers.
