Engadget

Opera Mini 7 comes to Google Play, treads lightly on your data plan

Sean Buckley — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:37:00 EST

As any Opera loving Android user will tell you, good things come to those who wait -- and folks waiting for the latest version of Opera Mini to hit their devices can now relax. It's here. Like its predecessors, Opera Mini 7 promises to slash your device's data usage and speed up its browsing by compressing data on a proxy server, pushing a lightweight, reformatted page to your device. Mini 7 continues this tradition, of course, but also lets users add more favorites to their Opera home screen, upping the max from nine to "as many Speed Dial buttons as you'll ever want." Read on for the app's official press release, or hit up the source link below for its Google Play page.

Continue reading Opera Mini 7 comes to Google Play, treads lightly on your data plan

Opera Mini 7 comes to Google Play, treads lightly on your data plan originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mobile Miscellany: week of March 5th, 2012

Zachary Lutz — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 14:04:00 EST

Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, one clever individual has repackaged HTC's Beats equalizer for use on any Android smartphone, and we've also come across news of additional language support for Siri that's set to arrive later this year. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of March 5th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of March 5th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of March 5th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera announces revamped Store, Mini Next and Mobile 12 at MWC (video)

Daniel Cooper — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:14:00 EST

Opera's crying "mobile" and letting slip the dogs of browsing here at MWC 2012 with a slew of announcements to please serious web-users. Opera Mini and Opera Mobile 12 have been released today -- the former designed to run on Java-based feature phones, now includes deeper integration to Facebook and Twitter to provide fully-featured social networking for those incapable of downloading apps. Meanwhile, Opera Mobile 12 now includes Ragnarök, the company's HTML5 parser to provide better web apps and advanced functionality as well as WebGL for Android Phones -- which now also get an infinite-scrolling speed dial front page for regularly visited websites. At the same time, it's pushing out a revamped App store based on technology acquired when Opera bought Handster back in September. It's the fifth largest app store by quantity, with 55,000 apps available, although its currently in trouble for offering developers apps to other platforms without the developers permission. After the break we've got a short video and some PR for you to peruse, like carrion men, groaning for burial.

Continue reading Opera announces revamped Store, Mini Next and Mobile 12 at MWC (video)

Opera announces revamped Store, Mini Next and Mobile 12 at MWC (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Motorola Motokey Social set to Like Telus November 21st

Brad Molen — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:26:00 EST

We've seen the official product page of the Motokey Social, a new Facebook Phone with the special blue button, and we knew it was heading to Telus. All we needed to seal the deal was the date, and now we have it: the Motokey Social and Telus will change their status to "In a Relationship" on November 21st, and you can take part of the festivities. It's no Android, of course, but it offers as 3MP camera, 2.4-inch QVGA (320 x 240) touchscreen display, five home screen panels, social network access and the Opera Mini browser for data. And at $80 as a prepaid option, parents up north may be looking to pick a few of these up for the young 'uns on Black Friday. More info can be found in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Motorola Motokey Social set to Like Telus November 21st

Motorola Motokey Social set to Like Telus November 21st originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini 6.5 and Mobile 11.5 embark on data awareness mission, now available for download

Brad Molen — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:52:00 EST

Nearly three weeks after Opera Mini 6.5 graced the Android Market, it's now ready for iOS, BlackBerry, J2ME and S60 (the latter's in the form of Opera Mobile 11.5). The download, which is no different than what we saw on Google's mobile OS, brings with it an option to keep track of the amount of data you've used. This type of feature seems to be catching on all over the mobile world as more and more companies continue to switch to capped internet plans. If you're looking for this option, it appears as a dedicated page within the browser's help menu. Now is the time, Opera fans, to go forth and save data.

Opera Mini 6.5 and Mobile 11.5 embark on data awareness mission, now available for download originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Android Browser leapfrogs Opera Mini, but Safari increases its lead

Mat Smith — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:08:00 EST

Web browser warriors have some more statistical firepower to play with, now that Net Applications has released the latest usage figures for mobile browsers. Google's vaguely titled Browser has inched up from a 16.3 percent share last month to 18.7 percent, counterbalanced by Opera Mini, which declined from just under 19 percent to 13.1 percent. Similarly, both Symbian and BlackBerry's mobile browsers dropped a few percentage points, down to 2.6 and 2.4 percent respectively. While rumors of a mobile-friendly version of Chrome continue to bounce around, there remains a substantial gap between second-place Android and the current mobile browser boss, Apple's Safari, which has now extended its dominance from 55.6 percent to 62.2 percent. The battle of the browsers wages on.

Android Browser leapfrogs Opera Mini, but Safari increases its lead originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini lands on the iPad in version 6.0

Vlad Savov — Tue, 24 May 2011 08:49:00 EST

Been loving the Opera Mini experience on your iPhone and wishing for it on your larger iOS device? Opera is today turning that desire into reality with the release of v6.0 of its Mini mobile browser, which now has support for all iOS portables, including the iPad and iPad 2, plus a specific shoutout for the iPhone 4's retina display. The overall design of the web explorer has also been freshened up, with a "new look and feel," while a social sharing function will let you blast URLs into Twitter and Facebook directly from the app. Additionally, the new version includes the ability to load tabs in the background and improves support for non-Latin alphabets like Arabic and Chinese. Hit the source link for the download.

[Thanks, Chris]

Continue reading Opera Mini lands on the iPad in version 6.0

Opera Mini lands on the iPad in version 6.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 May 2011 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera delivers new Mini, Mobile browsers with pinch-to-zoom and shows off one for TVs

Richard Lawler — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:47:00 EST

Web browser maker Opera is staying busy, unleashing several new versions of its product upon the populace today. Both of its on the go browsers have been updated with modern technology like pinch-to-zoom, sharing to other apps, improved scrolling and new tablet-friendly interfaces, while its also ready to show off a new version for set-top boxes and updating tools to help developers create apps for Opera-powered TVs. In case you need a scorecard, Opera Mini 6 (available for J2ME, Android, Blackberry, Symbian/S60) compresses pages before downloading them and Opera Mobile 11 (for Android, Symbian, Windows 7, MeeGo, Maemo) promises the entire web for those on high speed connections like WiFi, explaining the platform crossover. Peep the demo above or press releases after the break if you're still not sure what pinch-to-zoom means in or just point your mobile browser to m.opera.com and download the latest version for your device -- iOS need not apply at this time.

Gallery: Opera Mobile 11 & Opera Mini 6 screenshots

Continue reading Opera delivers new Mini, Mobile browsers with pinch-to-zoom and shows off one for TVs

Opera delivers new Mini, Mobile browsers with pinch-to-zoom and shows off one for TVs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

iPad gets the Opera Mini treatment, we wonder what took so long

Christopher Trout — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 10:26:00 EST

Opera's been working its Norwegian charms on the iPhone since last Spring, and it's been flirting with tablets since CES, but up until now the browsers yet to put the moves on the iPad. Considering how much it gets around, we're surprised it didn't happen sooner, but Opera announced yesterday that it would show off a new version of Opera Mini on a number of platforms at MWC this year, including Android, iPhone, J2ME, BlackBerry, Symbian, and yes -- the iPad. There's no word on what the iPad version will bring -- or when, for that matter -- but we're guessing it will probably sport the same smooth zoom and multiple-page grid we saw previewed on Opera for tablets. For more on the world's most promiscuous browser, check out the full PR after the jump.

Continue reading iPad gets the Opera Mini treatment, we wonder what took so long

iPad gets the Opera Mini treatment, we wonder what took so long originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini 5.1 hits Symbian, moves away from Java

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:56:00 EST

Version 5.1 has been Opera Mini's big push for much of this year, and the release is finally filtering down to Symbian today. The big news, though, is that S60 owners will be able to use a native version of the popular proxy-based browser rather than the Java build they'd been left with previously, so we can assume that the move to native code is probably going to have a positive effect on performance. New features include clipboard and email client integration, the ability to select a default internet access point (so you're not prompted every time), better fonts, and a variety of performance-centric improvements. The beta is available now; follow the break for the press release.

Continue reading Opera Mini 5.1 hits Symbian, moves away from Java

Opera Mini 5.1 hits Symbian, moves away from Java originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mobile coming to Android within a month, bearing hardware acceleration and pinch-to-zoom

Vlad Savov — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 04:34:00 EST

Forget all that Mini stuff, Opera is bringing its full-flavored mobile browser to Android some time very soon indeed. To tempt people on board, the new software will support hardware acceleration for buttering up frame rates while you zoom around at potato-scalding speeds, while pinch-to-zoom will also be implemented in a big O Android browser for the first time. Opera Mini will be partaking in the latter upgrade as well, while Opera Mobile proper is expected to make its debut on the Android Market at some point over the next month. All versions of the "well diversified" OS are supported too!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Update: Opera has clarified that the first Android beta of Opera Mobile will have pinch-to-zoom and will arrive some time over the next month, but won't be bringing hardware acceleration with it. That'll be a feature for a later date.

Opera Mobile coming to Android within a month, bearing hardware acceleration and pinch-to-zoom originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 04:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Six Android browsers enter the ring, only one reigns supreme

Tim Stevens — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:52:00 EST

Choice is a good thing, and Android users certainly have a lot of choices. Default launcher or Launcher Pro? Fancy animated live wallpaper or static picture of adorable puppies? Stock browser or alternative? It's that last question that has plagued so many, and to offer some guidance PC World pitted six of the Market's top choices against each other. The 2.1 and 2.2 stock browsers entered, along with Skyfire 2.0, Opera Mini, Dolphin HD, and Mozilla Fennec (the pre-beta release of what could bring Firefox to your phone). The winner? Well, you can see the ultimate speed results above, with SkyFire surprisingly trumping Opera Mini, though that one seemingly has 'em beat when it comes to repeat-visits. However, the full story when it comes to things like page rendering and Flash compatibility is naturally a good bit more complex. For those details you'll need to click on through.

[Thanks, Tim]

Six Android browsers enter the ring, only one reigns supreme originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini 5.1 finds its way to Android, too

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST

Just a scant few days after the Java-based release for featurephones, the Android build of Opera Mini 5.1 (which, admittedly, also has its roots in Java) is ready for your browse-happy ways. As with the featurephone release, the focus here is almost exclusively on improving performance, an impressive goal considering that Opera Mini 5 was already burning rubber on many devices. Additionally, 5.1 is said to improve page layout on the latest round of high-resolution phones -- a good thing, considering many of us are now considering WVGA a bare minimum. Sickening thought, isn't it? The new build should be available to download from the Android Market today; follow the break for Opera's full press release.

Continue reading Opera Mini 5.1 finds its way to Android, too

Opera Mini 5.1 finds its way to Android, too originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini 5.1 promises to sip memory like a single malt scotch

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:00:00 EST

Opera is taking the "Mini" in "Opera Mini" to heart with the lightweight mobile browser's latest release today -- version 5.1, which improves on the big 5.0 release from earlier this year. There aren't any notable new features, per se, but the company promises that 5.1 includes a new "optimized" skin that allows more pages to be open simultaneously and generally improves day-to-day performance. Specifically, 5.1 is billed as a "highly recommended" upgrade for users on Nokia S40 devices and on Sony Ericsson dumbphones like the K550i and W810i, while smartphone and high-end dumbphone users are basically being told there's no huge rush to pull the trigger. The new version's available today; follow the break for Opera's full release.

Continue reading Opera Mini 5.1 promises to sip memory like a single malt scotch

Opera Mini 5.1 promises to sip memory like a single malt scotch originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini users increased 4.2 percent in a month (and other interesting tidbits), says Opera

Laura June — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:51:00 EST

Opera's just released its State of the Mobile Web report for May of 2010, and its touting its continued growth in the space, with Opera Mini usage increasing 4.2 percent over the previous month, and a 7.2 percent gain in overall page views. Good news for them, undoubtedly, but they also have interestingly found that the hours 8:00 pm and midnight are the biggest for browsing -- unless you live in the UK, where you're just as likely to browse in the earlier hours. Nerds. Hit up the source link for the full report.

Opera Mini users increased 4.2 percent in a month (and other interesting tidbits), says Opera originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera wades into Flash debate, says it 'makes very little sense' for video

Donald Melanson — Thu, 06 May 2010 12:52:00 EST

Opera Software already caused quite a stir with the release of the iPhone version of its browser, and it looks like it's now starting to make itself heard in one of the biggest browser-related debates going. Speaking with Tech Radar, Opera's product analyst Phillip Grønvold started out with something of a diplomatic approach by saying that "today's internet content is dependent on Flash" and "if you remove Flash you do not have today's internet," and for that reason Opera needs to support Flash. Things get a bit more interesting from there, however, with Grønvold stating that while Flash has its place for things like dynamic content, it "makes very little sense" as a video container given the impact on processor and battery usage, adding that "you can cook an egg on [devices] once you start running Flash on them and there's a reason for that." Fried eggs, potatoes -- these browsers sure are making us hungry.

Opera wades into Flash debate, says it 'makes very little sense' for video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Skyfire boss on possible iPhone port: 'stay tuned for news'

Ross Miller — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:57:00 EST

So Opera Mini for iPhone has proved to be kind of a big deal, and that HTML-laden beacon of hope is putting a twinkle in some other developers' eyes. Take Skyfire, for instance. CEO Jeff Glueck posted this week a congratulations to the Opera team for its inclusion in the iTunes app store -- a surprise to many, us included. He also explained that "this will certainly accelerate our strategy on iDevices," and seeing as its only product is a mobile browser with Flash and Silverlight, Jeff certainly has our attention here. That said, we're not exactly getting our hopes up, especially since the App Store's rules have always forbidden any app from running a code interpreter and we don't see how SkyFire can bypass that aspect of Flash and Silverlight entirely, even though it uses a server-side rendering model similar to Opera Mini's. We'll see what happens.

Skyfire boss on possible iPhone port: 'stay tuned for news' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini now the number one free download in all 22 App Stores

Joshua Topolsky — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST

Seems like users actually do want a choice, Steve.

Update: 1 Million downloads in 1 day, ta da!

[Thanks, Atesh]

Opera Mini now the number one free download in all 22 App Stores originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini for iPhone approved, will be available for free (update: hands-on)

Nilay Patel — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:37:00 EST

Our man Thomas Ricker was just wondering how long it would take before Apple determined the fate of Opera Mini for iPhone, and we've got some good news -- it's been approved and will be available for free on the App Store within 24 hours! Can't say we were expecting that, since non-Safari-based browsers have typically been verboten from Apple's little kingdom, but we're certainly happy to be surprised. We'll do up a full hands-on when we see it in the store, but for now check the demo video after the break.

Update: We're getting reports that UK and Australian readers are already able to download and enjoy this surprising little addition to the app store -- be sure to give this iTunes link a shot and see if it works in your region, mmkay?

Update 2: We just got our hands on Opera Mini for the iPhone, and the first thing we noticed is, in fact, how fast it renders pages. When we open the app, we are quickly introduced to the default Opera Screen, with links to Facebook, Twitter and the like. Opening a new tab is a single touch and loading virtually any homepage is quick. While scrolling through the loaded page, some images don't fully render until you stop over them. Multitouch is enabled to some extent -- you can pinch to zoom, and double tapping only fully zooms in and out, with really no inbetween. Something else we noticed that we'd been looking for in OS 4, is the ability to Find in Page. It works really well, and the words being searched are highlighted for an easy find. This browser totally kicks safari out of the water, and we're definitely looking forward to updates for Opera Mini.

Update 3: It looks to be live in the US now! Hit up that iTunes link and go wild!

Gallery: Opera Mini for iPhone submitted to Apple for approval (video)

Continue reading Opera Mini for iPhone approved, will be available for free (update: hands-on)

Opera Mini for iPhone approved, will be available for free (update: hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini for iPhone submitted to Apple for approval (video)

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 08:01:00 EST

Can you feel the tension? Opera is now in the throes of the App Store approval process. The wait is on to see if Apple will loosen its grip and approve the fast (very fast) Opera Mini browser for iPhone app that we checked out at MWC. Remember, Opera Mini relies on Opera's servers to render and compress pages before sending them back to the iPhone for display. As such, there's no code interpretation being done by the software -- a definite no no for approval. So the only thing that could cause Apple to reject the app would be a perceived duplication of core iPhone functionality even though it already approved several WebKit-based browsers. Whatever happens, this is going to be good.

Update: Opera just threw up a counter tracking how long the approval process has taken. You know, 'cause everyone likes to be backed into a corner. Makes you wonder if Opera is serious about this or just doing it for the publicity -- one of several angles we mulled earlier.

Gallery: Opera Mini for iPhone submitted to Apple for approval (video)

Continue reading Opera Mini for iPhone submitted to Apple for approval (video)

Opera Mini for iPhone submitted to Apple for approval (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Motorola makes i1 official, melds Android and push-to-talk this summer on Sprint

Ross Miller — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:37:00 EST

Right on cue, just after the aptly-timed teaser poster, Motorola signs on just the right dotted lines to make its i1 push-to-talk Android handset official. Let's run through the specs quickly, shall we? A 3.1-inch HVGA (320 x 480) touchscreen, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and 4x zoom, WiFi, and microSD expansion -- no mention of the processor, so we'll have to find out on our own later. The OS version is 1.5 and, ~~while there's oddly not a single mention in either the press release of fact sheet, given the official images and~~ ~~unofficial leaks, it's definitely got~~ ~~Motoblur~~. The browser of choice is Opera Mini 5 with support for Flash 8, and if you're worried about Mother Nature's wrath, the i1 meets Military 810F standards for handling averse weather conditions. iDEN lovers can pick up the call sometime this summer on Sprint, with price yet to be named.

Update: Motorola's just sent word that the i1 does not have Motoblur, despite the presence of the traditional green call / blue contacts buttons. That begs the question, then, of what exactly defines Motoblur here (is just the Happenings widget missing?), and what Android skin is on the i1 -- the press images here are definitely not showing vanilla 1.5. We're still awaiting a response to that, stay tuned.

Gallery: Motorola i1 melds Android and push-to-talk

Motorola makes i1 official, melds Android and push-to-talk this summer on Sprint originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini 5 on Android mini review

Tim Stevens — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:25:00 EST

Opera's Mini 5 beta finally hit Android in the wee hours of this morning and, while writing about what it looks like is nice, we thought a little walk-through to demonstrate the impressive speed of the thing was worthwhile. So we have a short video for you below, with a comparison against the stock Android browser, plus some impressions of just how it is to use. So, click on through, won't you?

Continue reading Opera Mini 5 on Android mini review

Opera Mini 5 on Android mini review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini 5 beta comes to Android

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST

Though its pure Java and BlackBerry counterparts had gone live late last year, Opera's Android version of the Opera Mini 5 beta has been missing in action -- until now. As far as we can tell, the new cut is a dead ringer for its cousins on other platforms, bringing all of 5's new features including the so-called "speed dial" bookmark browser, tabbing, and an integrated password manager. We've had just a little bit of time to check it out so far, and our initial impression is that it's wicked fast and renders just like you'd expect Opera Mini to, but the downside -- and this is a big one for Android users on newer devices -- is that it doesn't appear to support multitouch. The new version is available for download today.

Opera Mini 5 beta comes to Android originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Motorola i1 gets clearer: 5 megapixel cam, Opera Mini default browser?

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:38:00 EST

We've been slipped some additional information on Motorola's imminent Android-powered i1 for iDEN networks today -- actually, one correction and one interesting note. First, the correction: we're now being told (by the same tipster as before) that it's actually got a 5 megapixel camera on board, a nice upgrade from the 3 we'd previously been told to expect. More interestingly, though, we're also hearing that Opera Mini has been tapped as the i1's default browser -- a move that Moto is more than welcome to make since this is a Blur-powered, non-"Google Experience" device. It's also a possible admission that third-party Android browsers are currently outperforming Google's own, something Microsoft has long dealt with on Windows Mobile as companies like HTC ultimately ended up bundling Opera Mobile with virtually every model they sold. So, Sprint Direct Connect and Boost Mobile customers, you getting excited about this thing or what?

Motorola i1 gets clearer: 5 megapixel cam, Opera Mini default browser? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini 5 beta shuns Java for Windows Mobile version

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:54:00 EST

Got WinMo? Don't have a Java VM? No problem! Opera has taken the time to rewrite its Opera Mini 5 beta as a native Windows Mobile application compatible with both 5 and 6.x-based handsets, meaning you won't need the Java compatibility that's traditionally required to run it -- compatibility that ironically makes it one of the more widely-deployed mobile browsers in the world. Though the thicker, fuller-featured Opera Mobile product is already a stalwart on WinMo that HTC bundles with the better portion of its devices, the presumed advantage with Mini is that it's tighter, faster, and consumes considerably less data -- perfect when roaming or on a low-allowance plan. Heck, why not have both? The Mini beta download is available now.

Opera Mini 5 beta shuns Java for Windows Mobile version originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini on iPhone is fast, but why?

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:01:00 EST

We came, we saw, and we're still scratching our heads over what Opera is up to with its Mobile World Congress demonstration of its Opera Mini browser running on the iPhone 3GS. But before we get into that, let's talk performance: it's fast. Opera Mini is very, very fast on the iPhone. Loading the New York Times, for example, was about 5x faster than loading the same page in the iPhone 3GS' stock browser. Pages loaded smoothly and were interactive just as quickly as the content began to load -- not unlike the Safari browsing experience. From a functionality standpoint, Opera Mini operates exactly as it does on other, less-contentious platforms. So while double-tap to zoom is supported, pinch-to-zoom is not. The iPhone version does, however, remember the state of the browser when you exit Opera Mini. As such, you'll find your tabs and recent pages right where they were when you last used the app.

The impressive performance gain has to do with how Opera Mini works. First, it's not doing any rendering of the pages or code processing locally. Web pages are processed by Opera's servers before sending just the results to the iPhone. Not only does this speed up the local processing but it also limits the amount of data sent -- a potential big money saver for people browsing while data roaming (like us in Barcelona) or for those without unlimited data plans.

Unfortunately, Opera refused to let us or anyone photograph the app or take any video of it in action. We couldn't even photograph the Opera icon in the launch bar or the wallpaper adorned with the Opera logo. Why? It looks just like Opera Mini beta on any other device so it's not like we're exposing any competitive intelligence. And it's not like Opera would be violating any Apple NDA related to the SDK or the app approval process. Unfortunately, Opera was unable to give us a valid reason other than, "you just can't."

So why is Opera making such a fuss about this before it has even submitted to Apple for approval? We have three theories that we discussed with Igor Netto, Senior Product Manager within Opera's Mobile group. Click through if you like conspiracies.

Continue reading Opera Mini on iPhone is fast, but why?

Opera Mini on iPhone is fast, but why? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini for iPhone to be revealed next week, available never

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:00:00 EST

Here's a guaranteed way to drum up support for an upcoming press event: claim the impossible. Opera just announced a press and partner preview of its Opera Mini browser for the iPhone at Mobile World Congress. You read that right -- for the iPhone. Of course, the real intent of this stunt is to draw our incredulous attention to Opera's Mobile and Mini browsers running on platforms where the software is actually released like Symbian, Windows Mobile, and Android. Besides, as good as the Mini browser is, it, like Mobile Safari, doesn't support Flash. And since Apple isn't likely to approve any browser that duplicates functionality it already provides, really, what's the point of all this? A Cydia store release?

Opera Mini for iPhone to be revealed next week, available never originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini hits version 5 in beta form

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:32:00 EST

The great thing about Opera Mini is that it works with a ridiculous number of handsets -- that's probably Opera proudly proclaims it's "the world's most popular Web browser for mobile phones" -- and a major new release has just hit the streets in beta form. Version 5 adds a few key features, including "speed dial" for calling up your favorite bookmarks quickly, improved touchscreen support, an integrated password manager, and most importantly, tabbed browsing. You've gotta be careful with this sort of stuff while it's in beta, of course, but hey -- it's a browser -- what can go wrong? Grab it now (including a customized BlackBerry build) from Opera's site.

Filed under: Software

Opera Mini hits version 5 in beta form originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera locks down agreement to bring Opera Mini to Virgin Mobile USA

Darren Murph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:37:00 EST

Opera Mini has definitely seen a good deal of face time here lately, but it's looking to up its presence even more by inking a new partnership with Virgin Mobile USA. Starting April 14th, Opera Mini will be available as a free application download on select devices -- Slash, Arc, Shuttle, Super Slice and four others -- for Virgin Mobile USA prepaid customers via the VirginXL download storefront. Going forward, the browser will come pre-loaded on other "select" Virgin Mobile USA phones. So, one carrier down -- who's next?

Gallery: Opera locks down agreement to bring Opera Mini to Virgin Mobile USA

Filed under: Software

Opera locks down agreement to bring Opera Mini to Virgin Mobile USA originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Yahoo! to distribute, cheer for Opera Mini

Darren Murph — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:32:00 EST

Maybe we're just imagining things, but it sure seems like a lot of deals are going down here in Barcelona. The latest partnership to arise from the middle of nowhere is this one, a tie-up between Yahoo! and Opera that will see the search engine company distribute and pimp the Opera Mini web browser to its many Yahoo! Mobile users. Under the deal, Yahoo! is expected to begin distributing Opera Mini via Yahoo! Mobile (gratis, of course) and also as a standalone download from Yahoo!'s mobile Web sites in the near future. A curious matchup, yeah? Should be interesting to see where this leads -- we get the feeling this is just the beginning of something much, much bigger. Or maybe just bigger.

[Via phonescoop]

Filed under: Software

Yahoo! to distribute, cheer for Opera Mini originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini 4.2 escapes beta, arrives for Android

Darren Murph — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:40:00 EST

It's tough to find someone who doesn't appreciate the amenities in Opera Mini, and we have to say, that hamstrung version that hit the Android Market in November just made us yearn for the real deal. Thankfully, that waiting window has finally closed. As of today, mobile surfers can suck down the non-beta version of Opera Mini 4.2 for Android, complete with easier URL entry, upload / download support and the ability to zoom in / out on double tap and handle multimedia files. Give it a go and report back with any praises / gripes, won'tcha?

[Via phonescoop]

Filed under: Software, Android

Opera Mini 4.2 escapes beta, arrives for Android originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini comes to the Android Market

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:57:00 EST

Perfect timing, eh? We're really not too concerned about the supposed browser hijack being reported on G1s the past couple days -- there's no proof at this point that it's actually a browser issue, and even if it is, we expect Google to be Johnny-on-the-spot with a patch -- but it's still cool to see a viable alternative getting developed in the form of Opera's venerable Opera Mini in its latest 4.2 beta form. We've played around with it for a few minutes and it seems to work pretty dang well, so if you G1 owners are feeling wild and crazy enough to switch up your browsing routine, give it a go -- it's free, after all.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Filed under: Software, Android

Opera Mini comes to the Android Market originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini finds its way onto Android

Sean Cooper — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:32:00 EST

Got Android and lack lovely browsing experience? No worries, Opera mini is ~~coming~~ here to help. Opera's Chris Mills explains that rather than start from scratch they've used the existing code base and binary package with a wrapper that converts the Java ME API calls to Android API calls -- think translator. Of course, this has all only been run in software so far, though we just know now that it's hitting the wild, you can be sure that people playing with early hardware are going to be all over this. We love Opera Mini and are pretty stoked about Android, too, so you go gents, make us proud.

[Via PhoneScoop]

Filed under: Handsets, Software, Android

Opera Mini finds its way onto Android originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Put away the hacks: Helio now offering Opera Mini officially

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:42:00 EST

Back in the days of yore, the world was a simpler place. The Helio Ocean had just one browser -- its own -- and if you wanted Opera Mini instead, you got it the old-fashioned way: with hard, manual labor. Times are changing, though, and both Helio and the Ocean are changing with 'em. Opera Mini is now available as a direct download from Helio itself, a nod to the community's desire to have access to what is commonly considered the premier mobile web browser, and maybe -- just maybe -- an admission that Opera Mini is better than the Ocean's integrated app. Whatever the implications, it looks like hitting 67372 from your Ocean's home screen will get the show on the road.

Filed under: Software, Helio, MVNOs

Put away the hacks: Helio now offering Opera Mini officially originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini 4 turns a bright, shiny shade of gold

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 05:50:00 EST

Seems like these cats are on a nice, predictable annual schedule, yeah? Just a little under a year after the release of Opera Mini 3, version 4 has gone gold following several months in beta. It seems that Opera's big focus for this version has been to make Mini seem more like a full-fledged desktop browser, shoehorning in features like a true mouse pointer, landscape mode (to give sites that 4:3 feel), and zoom capability. It's free and it's available now, so we might recommend you give it a shot before you spend even another moment hobbling along on whatever two-bit integrated browser -- if you can even call it a browser -- that you're using now, k?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Software

Opera Mini 4 turns a bright, shiny shade of gold originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Enthusiasts bring 3rd party apps to the Helio Ocean, too

Chris Ziegler — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 00:33:00 EST

The iPhone isn't the only handset whose software innards are getting lovingly torn apart in the name of science this week. It turns out some intrepid users of the Helio Ocean (a device occasionally compared to the iPhone, coincidentally) have been slaving away on a method for adding extra applications outside of the carrier's walled garden. Their first success is a doozy, too: Opera Mini 3, one of the most prized jewels in the world of mobile software. The developers aren't claiming it's bug-free -- landscape mode and the QWERTY keyboard don't work, for example -- but it's a huge step in the right direction and they're continuing to work out the kinks. More custom apps are said to be on the way, and don't worry, Drift and Heat users -- support's said to be on the way for you guys, too.

Filed under: Cellphones

Enthusiasts bring 3rd party apps to the Helio Ocean, too originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Aug 2007 00:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Enthusiasts bring 3rd party apps to the Helio Ocean, too

Chris Ziegler — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 00:33:00 EST

Filed under: Software, Pantech, Helio, MVNOs

Enthusiasts bring 3rd party apps to the Helio Ocean, too originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Aug 2007 00:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini 4 goes beta

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:06:00 EST

We thought Opera Mini was pretty good as it was, but the company has taken its smallest, lightest browser through a "complete redesign" for its fourth major release. Codenamed "Dimension," the new version features a Wii browser-like zoom that moves immediately to content -- a good idea when your screen's less than a quarter the resolution of the display the average full-fledged website was designed for. It's still in beta, but they seem to like what they've got going on; they're even putting it head-to-head with the iPhone's supposedly brilliant browser. Adventurous users can check it out straight from their handsets by browsing over to mini.opera.com/beta (manual Palm and BlackBerry installs are available directly from Opera's site).

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Software

Opera Mini 4 goes beta originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pre-installed Opera to come on some WM6 devices?

Brian White — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 16:55:00 EST

We never thought we would live to see the day that Pocket IE was pushed aside hastily by some Windows Mobile users in favor of the Opera browser. In the "fat lady sings" department that is in rumorland at the moment, the CEO of Opera has flat-out stated that some WM6 handsets will have the Opera browser pre-installed. Eek, say it isn't so! Until we can confirm this, we're on pins and needles along with every other Opera-lovin' WM customer on the planet. How about specific devices? Those beans have no been spilled yet, although the Motorola Q was alluded to along with some unspecified HTC, Toshiba and Asus units. If you're still on PIE (Pocket IE) and have not downloaded Opera already (or some other browser), having that beauty pre-installed is next to foolproof for a better browsing experience for many of us. We're counting the seconds until confirmation of this rumor.

Filed under: Software, ASUS, HTC, Motorola, Windows Mobile, Misc, Toshiba

Pre-installed Opera to come on some WM6 devices? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opera Mini 3.0 unleashed

Chris Ziegler — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 13:21:00 EST

For those of us still using dumbphones (and even some of us with the smart variety), Opera Mini is just about the best thing out there for doing us some web surfin' on the road. Version 2.0 of the Java-based browser is pretty darn good, but 3.0 has just hit the streets and it's offering up some key improvements. Top on the list are comprehensive support for RSS feeds, inline uploading of pictures snapped using the phone's camera, and streamlined connection handling that should lead to faster browsing. Perhaps the most intriguing new feature, though, is something Opera calls "content folding" whereby long content on a page is automatically collapsed with a "plus" sign -- great for long-winded sites not necessarily designed with a phone browser in mind.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

Filed under: Software

Opera Mini 3.0 unleashed originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments