Opera says it will continue to support old Chrome extensions, including uBlock Origin [Video]

Chrome-less: Google is enforcing a significant shift for Chrome extension developers by making the newer Manifest V3 framework mandatory. However, many other Chromium-based browsers are choosing not to follow suit, allowing them to maintain enhanced ad-blocking capabilities compared to Chrome.

Google Chrome risks becoming an inferior browser, at least when it comes to blocking invasive ads. Google replaced Manifest V2 with Manifest V3, forcing extension developers to adopt a less effective technology in exchange for a claimed increase in overall browser security. However, Opera Software recently confirmed that it will not follow suit and will retain Manifest V2 support in its Chromium-based browser.

The newly launched Opera One R2, which the company touts as the “best Opera browser” to date, is primarily geared toward enhancing support for generative AI algorithms. The Opera One rebranding, introduced in 2023, …