Opera Mini on iPhone is fast, but why?
By Thomas Ricker 
posted February 17th 2010 8:01AM
posted February 17th 2010 8:01AM
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.
First, the demo is emotive. And what better way to get eyeballs on your products than with scandalous talk? And honestly, how much did you know about Opera Mini prior to all this. At the very least, the whole effort has been one of marketing genius whether intentional or not even if Opera never submits Mini for approval.
Second, Opera legitimately wants to get its Mini browser approved. And why not? While the iPhone only makes up a sliver of the global smartphone device market share, its Safari browser accounts for well over half of all mobile web browser traffic by many estimates. Of course Opera wants a slice of that pie. Igor assured us that Opera will be submitting the app for approval just as soon as the beta tag is removed. And by announcing and demoing its software now to the press, Opera's hope is to develop enough grassroots support that Apple will have a tough time rejecting it. Igor did, however, concede that backing Apple into a corner might not be the best approach.
So what happens if Apple rejects the app, we asked? After all, Apple maintains the option of rejecting any app that "duplicates functionality" of the apps that Apple builds into the iPhone. Igor's response was clear, "There will be very strong discussion internally."
That leads us to the third, and most sinister theory about Opera's intentions: Opera is building a case for litigation. Not that they will litigate, rather, that it's developing a case should litigation be required. Igor assured us that this is not the case. However, it's worth remembering that Apple has been testing the ire of Norway's consumer advocacy groups since at least 2006. More recently, Opera filed an EU antitrust complaint in 2007 against Microsoft aimed at "giving consumers a genuine choice of Web browsers." A move that ultimately forced a "ballot screen" meant to allow EU owners a choice of browsers on their Windows 7 install. Similar language was echoed last week by Opera co-founder, Jon von Tetzchner, in a DailyTech interview. When asked how Opera will get Apple to approve its software, JvT responded using very similar language to the Microsoft anti-trust complaint, "Opera Mini is the world's most popular mobile browser and users on the iPhone deserve a choice."
By hook or by crook Opera?
P.S. We hope Apple approves it.
No conspiracy necessary. European courts will be far more receptive to an examination of Apple's business policies surrounding the iPhone. Opera will get brand publicity more than commensurate with its legal investment.
And, in effect, Opera will be doing us all a great a service by challenging the enforceability of Apple's end user and developer license agreements. I'm not for using the courts to get your way in business as Opera will end up doing, but I'm also not for using the courts to get your way in business, as Apple implicitly does with its overly restrictive licenses.
Maybe it's just me but I don't like the fact that opera is trying to do what Blackberry did to email: Create another dependency in the name of efficiency. No, I don't want Opera looking at where I go. Yes, I will wait for what I'm looking for to come straight from the source. That's how I like my email, chat, web browsing, etc. It's actually really sneaky of them to do this in the "name of Open" when they are really closing things a little tighter. I mean think about it...there was no discussion of even licensing this technology let alone giving it away! Plus....what happens when it doesn't work? Do I get someone else's gmail page when the wires get crossed? Or what happens when someone decides they want to hack opera's servers in the name of "research"? Do they got to just steal that data and all the associated peoples login credentials with it??? No thanks, I'll stick with Mobile Safari. In the words of Steve Nash, "I'll pass."
@zbthomas
Opera isn't tracking you. They are not storing any data beyond stuff like cookies. Read their privacy statement.
You seem to be rather paranoid, but Opera has been around for more than a decade, and has an excellent privacy track record. Never mind the fact that Norway, where Opera is based, has extremely strict privacy laws. It's probably safer to use Opera than anything else if you worry about privacy.
How is this going to close anything anyway? Opera isn't preventing anyone else from making their own products and competing with them.
What happens when someone decides they want to hack your ISP? Or your bank? Why are you spreading FUD about Opera while you are equally vulnerable elsewhere.
Never mind the fact that Opera's privacy and security track records are excellent...
Opera Mobile on iPhone will most likely use compression and disable Flash components before it renders a page. That's how the desktop version of Opera behaves. If you want to see what that might look like, download the latest version of Opera, then turn on "Turbo."
If there are any Flash banners on the page, you'll see a still image in their place. It also compresses images. I snapped this post in Opera and it compressed even the images in the navigation. See it here:
http://media.newrules.com/downloads/Opera_turbo.png
--
John Federico
http://magicaltablet.com
@magicaltablet That may be, but in the article it says that they are loading all of the material on the servers and then pushing it to the device. There is no local processes being handled on the phone itself, other than running the program.
@moose0422 Sorry if I wasn't clear. Yes, the Opera server components will perform the compression functions that I mentioned but the screencap I shared shows similar results.
---
John Federico
http://magicaltablet.com
"That leads us to the third, and most sinister theory about Opera's intentions: Opera is building a case for litigation. Not that they will litigate, rather, that it's developing a case should litigation be required."
Why do you keep repeating this stuff?
Opera has never litigated. All they did, once, was to report Microsoft to the authorities. They never sued or demanded any money from Microsoft.
To think that Opera is planning on doing this despite the fact that Apple is not breaking any laws is just crazy.
Does Opera Mini have Flash support?
It already duplicates the functionality of safari on the iphone... about 5 times over apparently. ZING!
@jol
You need to read the article harder.
"Web pages are processed by Opera's servers before sending just the results to the iPhone. "
In no way is that "duplicating the functionality" of Mobile Safari.
@Jack: you need to read the comment harder... I thought the "ZING" gave it away. ;)
"While the iPhone only makes up a sliver of the global smartphone device market share, its Safari browser accounts for well over half of all mobile web browser traffic by many estimates."
Oh dear. Another factual error.
Those stats are from AdMob, and they don't measure web market share. They measure ads in applications, and most applications using AdMob are on the iphone.
So those stats are completely wrong.
Opera is the leading mobile browser:
http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile_browser-ww-quarterly-200902-201001-bar
@Ungidget
Although it does look like if you ad the iTouch and iPhone browser share, it ends up being more than that of Opera. Now, of course, the iTouch doesn't have 3G coverage, but that does make for a heckuva lot of users using mobile safari to browse the web.
The problem is that Opera's caching is extremely efficient while Safari reloads even when you navigate back and forward... So it's over-represented in the stats.
It is time to legislate the monopoly that is the Apple mobile experience and open it up to alternate browsers and a full open app experience. No way would Microsoft be allowed to limit their operating system to one music player, and one internet browser, among other things. They tried, it failed, they paid, and they still make a shitload of money. Open it up Apple.
@rodericrinehart
Go look up the word "monopoly" and try again.
@Jack: so, for the record, you DON'T want iPhone users to have choice?
Shame there is no way they can offer it as a beta trial like on other OS's, I am actually quite interested in giving it a try.... Also since it is all processed on their servers, perhaps flash is available?
So, Opera mini is still caching SSL connections? No way.
What do you mean "still"? That's the way Opera Mini is designed. It's designed to let servers do the heavy lifting.
I would be more worried about my ISP than Opera, considering that Opera is based in a country which has some of the world's strictest privacy laws.
It's funny to read the reactions, including the Engadget editor, voicing "skepticism" about what is demonstrably a superior product that may be coming to the iPhone.
Elsewhere iPhone users are arguing against having the option of Opera Mini available to them. Columnists are rushing to explain why it shouldn't be allowed on the device because of this or that "violation" of Apple's policies.
Amazing.
I dont see why apple would deny opera once they finally decided to get there product evaluated... but than again look at adobe.... this is why I was never an iphone user wm and webos for me please... of course wp7 is next :-)
Kinda like GM making a bunch of cars and people using them to drive to work in? Why should 'employers' benefit from all of GM's hard work?
It would be nice though. All of the car manufactures could keep those damn carnie's out of their cars. D*mn I hate carnies! :)
On another note, the car companies could keep people from using gas from anyone other than the gas stations they own. Good times.
@WKCptton oooh to be able to edit...this was supposed to be a response to dimithra on page 3.
"...its Safari browser accounts for well over half of all mobile web browser traffic by many estimates..."
On the link you mentioned - "Apple's darling generated 50 percent of all US mobile web traffic "
Over half of US mobile traffic you mean. At least going by that same post you linked to. Yes, there IS a world outside the US. All mobile web browser traffic includes web browser traffic outside the US.
You should either correct that to "all US mobile traffic" or "...its Safari browser accounts on third of all mobile web browser traffic, behind Symbian."
Currently, your article makes it look like the iPhone is responsible for more than half of the entire world's mobile web browser traffic. Surely that's a simple mistake of yours, not something you did on purpose... right?
Opera Mini on my Nokia E62 is still the best mobile browser experience I"ve had (at least once AT&T allowed trusted access). Sure, some pages wouldn't render at all, and Flash was absent. But everything that DID load ran very fast, and the mobile views (esp. RSS) were fantastic. However, on WinMo and BB things aren't quite so smooth, partly because of the trusted app issues (having to accept every page load, etc). But there are other oddities as well..pages that have skewed layouts, controls that don't show up. etc. So I'm not sure how it will go for iPhone users, either. The other thing that bugs me is this whole deal about opera "wanting a piece of the pie". Opera Mini is free, just like Safari. Neither displays ads. So exactly what "pie" are we talking about here? Snooping on user data they can sell? Cause I can't think of any other revenue stream from a completely free browser.
this is slightly off topic, but is the opera mini browser available on android?
Apple PLEASE approve this!!!1
It will not get approved. Why should Apple approve a competitor web browser when they are trying to make Safari more popular.
its a good response to the fact that apple allow devs to make web browsers, but i dont think apple expected that a company with experience in web browser, now made one for iphone thats faster than theirs and probably support file downloads too and may be free also...
i wonder what will happen if apple rejects this one and still approve others web browsers for iphone, like those that are on app store now.
everyone remember the google voice app saga and the FCC, this one could be the next????
ps nice move opera
ps invite FIREFOX too...
Where do I download?
Great! Hope this'll come out on Windows Phone 7. The IE-based browser on WP7 (i assume it's a similar version from the one on Zune HD) didn't impress me in terms of speed, but the UI is great.
this would be totally awesome. The sooner the better.
Some people ask about the difficult of jail breaking these phones. http://bit.ly/a78LVb gives a good run down on how tough it is.
it supports pinch to zoom !!
It's really unfortunate that the features that improve Opera Mini's speed (unencrypted server-side processing) also create the biggest vulnerability for use of this app in health care.
http://www.healthcareitsquad.com/apple-opera-mini-exposed-medical-records/
As many electronic medical records are now web-based, passing private health information around with a lack of end-to-end encryption is frowned upon by HIPAA regulations. Essentially, Opera can see/cache/log everything you do while using the Opera Mini Browser app, including every single medical record viewed through the Opera Mini app on an iPhone or iPad since Tuesday.