Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Opera Launches 'Free And Unlimited' VPN App For iOS (theverge.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the geo-blocked dept.

Opera has launched a new VPN app for iOS that is free to use and includes unlimited data. The app uses the US-based SurfEasy VPN service acquired by Opera last March. Opera is promising that its mobile VPN is free for life, with no subscription needed. For comparison, SurfEasy's standalone apps for Android and iOS do charge subscription fees. Opera says the app is "especially relevant on campuses and workplaces," where Wi-Fi provided by one institution may have limited access to "social media and video streaming websites." The software blocks ads and trackers, in addition to allowing users to access geo-blocked content by routing their internet connection through another country. You can download the app here.

11 of 23 comments (clear)

  1. Convenient commercial aggregation of your data by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    And provides a nice, clean, convenient place for Opera (and the FBI) to monitor everyone's data at 1 egress point.

    Um, no thanks.

  2. Great idea, just not sustaible by randomErr · · Score: 2

    This will only work for a while. You'll notice they released the app on a relatively small platform*. If they expand it beyond this eco system they'll have not valid way to keep the service going unless a third party pays for it and harvests user data. I can't see this living part a year.

    * By small platform I mean install base. Theres just a ton more Android devices in use. They could have went with something like Firefox OS. But those platforms are no where near as mature or tightly controlled.

    --
    You say things that offend me and I can deal with it. Can you?
    1. Re:Great idea, just not sustaible by tlhIngan · · Score: 1

      This will only work for a while. You'll notice they released the app on a relatively small platform*. If they expand it beyond this eco system they'll have not valid way to keep the service going unless a third party pays for it and harvests user data. I can't see this living part a year.

      * By small platform I mean install base. Theres just a ton more Android devices in use. They could have went with something like Firefox OS. But those platforms are no where near as mature or tightly controlled.

      Not a small platform. Small in variance, maybe (most running the same OS), but large in traffic. In fact, I think 2015 was the year that Android mobile traffic FINALLY became the majority - despite Android outselling iOS 4:1 worldwide, iOS traffic was the majority.

      So it's really a good testing scenario - small variance in platforms, large amount of potential traffic to test your servers with.

      The question becomes - how is Opera paying for this? I can't see this being "free" unless it's paid for in some way. I mean normal VPN servers cost around $70 a year or so...

  3. What's the hidden cost? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Is all of my info going to be funnelled straight to the NSA and China? Because brother, I can't imagine why a for-profit would bother doing this out of the goodness of their hearts.

  4. Not a small platform by SuperKendall · · Score: 2

    There are not a ton more Android devices in use.

    Looking at the U.S. 43% of active subscriber devices are iOS (as of last September)

    A lot more Android devices EXIST. But that does not mean they are in-use in any way that matters to a VPN provider.

    That said I agree with your main point roughly, that it doesn't seem sustainable to offer free VPN to over a billion devices. So then they obviously are making money somehow... still want to use that "free" VPN?

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  5. Hola chrome extension does the same by schwit1 · · Score: 2

    https://chrome.google.com/webs...

    1. Re:Hola chrome extension does the same by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Hola only works for a short period of time until you pay them their $5.

      With that said, IMHO it's $5 very well spent.

  6. Opera WAS Great – But is now Chinese NSA-ba by Sir+Holo · · Score: 1

    I've used Opera since it first came out – when you had to PAY for web browsers. It has always been speedy, and has given the user as much control as desired.

    But, a Chinese conglomerate is buying Opera. The offer was made a month ago. And, from the NYT article: "Opera’s board has unanimously decided to recommend that shareholders accept the offer."

    Yikes! A Chinese-owned browser with built-in VPN, for free. Uh-huh, I believe THAT one... No back doors? Pinky-swear?

    And, of course, NSA will target Opera users for their "full-take" of internet activity.

    I'm sorry Opera, but your board had made a terrible decision, and I can no longer trust any of your products. Goodbye.

  7. Re: Opera WAS Great – But is now Chinese NS by untoreh+ · · Score: 1

    You could say the vpn was built after the chinese acquisition because chineses want to spy you... or you could say that the vpn was built after the chinese acquisition to target the chinese market, since you know... big firewall of China, this could be a great selling point for chinese users.

  8. Re:This will be great for testing! by Big+Hairy+Ian · · Score: 1

    Didn't they launch this or something very similar the other month?

    --

    Build a Man a Fire, and He'll Be Warm for a Day. Set a Man on Fire, and He'll Be Warm for the Rest of His Life.

  9. Doesn't like to shut off by j33px0r · · Score: 1

    Tried it out. It always liked to turn back on regardless if you disable in setting or through the app. Slows down surfing as well.