Opera Browser
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Opera's next move is to keep your online data private and secure
For years now, Opera Software's been creating speedy and data-saving internet browsers for consumers, making them available on desktop and mobile devices at no cost. But it doesn't want to stop there. The company, which is responsible for web-browsing products like Opera, Opera Max and Opera Coast, has announced its acquisition of SurfEasy, a firm that focuses on online privacy. According to Senior Vice President of Products Nitin Bhandari, this move isn't just to strengthen the company's portfolio, but also to show its users that it is committed to serving tools that keep their data extremely secure and private. With SurfEasy now a part of Opera, Bhandari says that the goal is to offer features that Opera browser users have requested -- such as encrypting personal information, among other things.
Opera's Coast iOS browser gets faster, smarter and more social
The Coast browser from Opera has come a long way since its early days on the iPhone, and it's about to get better. Not to be confused with Opera Mini, Opera Coast is a mobile browser focused on providing users quick access to their favorite websites, sporting a tile-based user interface and the ability to support multiple homes screens -- which makes it feel slightly like a mini OS. Today, Opera's bringing a few new things to the Coast app, including its trademark Turbo data-compressing tool for speedier browsing. Furthermore, Opera Coast is getting a Discover feature that easily finds stories related to the topics you're searching for, while a newly added button lets you share those links with friends on email, Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. To round things up, Coast is now friendly with Apple's Continuity trait when browsing, allowing you to pick up right where you left off from any device, so long as you're on iOS 8 and have Handoff enabled.
Opera has a new way for you to share your favorite bookmarks
Not long after the release of Opera 25, which brought with it a completely redesigned, visually rich Bookmarks menu, the browser is getting another update today. In similar fashion to the release from a couple of months ago, the newly introduced Opera 26 also focuses on bookmarks, but this version is more about how you can share content with your friends. Put simply, Opera now makes it easy for you to turn some of your favorite sites into privately linked, shareable folders.
Opera is working on a subscription-based storefront for apps
For entertainment services such as Netflix and Spotify, the all-you-can-eat model has been tremendously beneficial -- both have racked up millions and millions of subscribers to date. When it comes to offering mobile applications, though, that idea of subscriptions hasn't really taken off. Regardless of whether you're an independent developer or a major brand, you depend heavily on storefronts like Apple's App Store or Google Play to sell and promote your content. But Opera Software, known mostly for its web browsers, wants to change this. With its new Subscription Mobile Store initiative, Opera wants to give companies a platform to offer their apps through, as the name suggests, a subscription service.
Opera Mini 9 promises smoother video-watching on iOS
Since the beginning, Opera's focus with its mobile browser has been to save users as much data as possible. Now, with the release of Opera Mini 9 for iOS, the idea is to take that mentality a step further, by better managing a thing people enjoy doing most on their devices: watching video. As such, Opera Mini 9 comes with a feature called Video Boost that optimizes videos to save on bandwidth, which includes the ability to reduce loading times for those with an iPhone and/or iPad. According to Opera, this is the first time video optimization for sites has been built within a browser, and it believes the implementation is so good that it could easily replace a video-focused app -- like YouTube or N3twork. But don't take Opera's word for it, you can check it out for yourself at the App Store link below.
Opera still exists, releases Opera 25 redesign to prove it
When was the last time you used the Opera browser on your Mac? Never? Well if you're a fan of beautiful bookmarks, you might want to consider changing that for Opera 25. The new Opera update brings with it something the company calls Visual Bookmarks, which are essentially large icons pointing you to your favorite sites, complete with accompanying images. "When I think back on moments, I can see them. That's my way to remember," Opera's Zhenis Beisekov writes on the company's blog. "It's the same for how I find things on the internet. All those videos, pictures or songs that I've discovered are visual memories for me." That's the idea behind the new, prettier bookmarks. If you want to give Opera 25 a spin you can download it now directly from the announcement post, and feel free to sound off about the new tweaks below.
Opera redesigns its desktop browser with visually rich bookmarks
Even though Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox and Safari are what most people use to browse the web on their desktops or laptops, this hasn't managed to lower Opera's spirits one bit. And that's definitely a great thing for people who prefer the Opera desktop browser over the aforementioned alternatives from Microsoft, Mozilla, Google and Apple, respectively. Today, Opera 25 is being introduced for Mac and Windows, which features bookmarking options that are highlighted by image-heavy thumbnails -- it's similar to what Safari's Top Sites window does in the browser nowadays, only with slightly different purpose.
Facebook could be looking to buy Opera browser
Since its IPO earlier this month, Facebook has wasted no time in expanding its empire -- it's already purchased the Karma mobile gifting service and launched a standalone camera app -- and talk about the social network's next steps doesn't seem to be quieting down. The latest rumor, from Pocket Lint, says Facebook is looking to buy the Opera browser as part of its larger effort to compete against Google, Mozilla and other internet mammoths. According to a source at Opera Software who spoke with Pocket Lint, the company is shopping around for potential buyers and has even imposed a hiring freeze. While it's not too hard to believe that Facebook is readying its horse to enter the browser race, this rumor is just that: a rumor. But given the social network's tendency to whip out new features at warp speed, we should have something more solid than speculation soon -- if the Opera purchase story has any legs, that is.
Opera 12 opens its beta doors: improves performance and stability, adds new themes
Similar to that other, foxy browser, Opera reached numerical version 12 (although in beta form), promising to be as fast and smooth as it's ever been. Included in the new revision are a slew of under-the-hood enhancements, along with a few cosmetic alterations. For starters, Opera 12 now offers complete 64-bit compatibility for both Mac and Windows, while "experimental" hardware acceleration and WebGL support are also in tow. Furthermore, the browser added a "smarter" tab-loading sequence, speed improvements for faster page uploads and a way to customize the look with a bundle of new themes -- of course, you can create your own as well. As for the backend tweaks, Opera announced it's abandoning its Unite and Widgets features in favor of an extension-driven model. Those of you eager to take it for a spin can hit the Opera link below to get started. [Thanks, Yousef]
Opera browser headed to Sony TVs and Blu-ray players
Opera has officially announced its much-loved web browser will be appearing on Sony TVs and Blu-ray players. There's no specific details, but it given its low-key presence at CES a few weeks ago (Sony Insider grabbed a video of it in action on the show floor -- embedded after the break -- unfortunately hampered by slow connection speeds) it will spread at least across the company's 22 new connected HDTVs. Since the browser is based off of the Opera devices SDK backbone, it's also not a stretch to imagine that Opera-enabled web applications, widgets, or other content using standards like HTML5 (no Flash, at least not yet) could piggy back onto Sony gear at some point. The real elephant in the room though is how this move relates to the Japanese tech giant's Internet TV initiative that's powered by Google TV. While we can't imagine it signals Mountain View's solution is destined for a dumping, between this and a similar move by Samsung including a browser in its own Smart TV platform, a little bit of jealousy could be just the kick Google needs to fix some glaring issues -- which we're all for, especially if it spawns a new round of potato based cajoling.
Opera parodies Google's Chrome speed tests mercilessly (video)
This, dear friends, is the height of comedy. Opera's pair of Scandinavian browser testers are back, this time applying some extremely high-tech speed tests to determine whether the Norwegian browser is faster than boiling a potato. Seriously, if you're not laughing at this, you either work for Google or you have a funny bone missing. In more concrete news, the acceptance of Opera Mini to the iPhone has accounted for a cool 70 percent of the Mini's growth over the month of April, with 2.6 million Apple users downloading the software worldwide. But that's not what you're here for, you're here to see the epic video, which awaits after the break along with Google's original. [Thanks, Ian G.]
More people browse the net on PS3 than Wii
According to a business statistics group, Market Share, the PS3 delivers more web traffic than the much more popular Wii. Stats put the PS3 at a 0.04 share of the overall internet market, with the Wii trailing behind at 0.01. With more Wii consoles out there than PS3s, and a superior method of browsing (controller vs. Wiimote, Wiimote wins), we're a tad bit shocked.Of course, one must take into account the fact that the Wii's web browser is no longer free. For a large part of the console's first year on the market it was, so that likely has a lot to do with how many folks are using their console to surf the web. The PS3's browser has always been absolutely free.How many of you use your Wii to cruise the seedy backstreets of this intertron we all know and love?
Opera files EU antitrust suit against Microsoft for bundling IE
Oh man, here we go again. Opera just filed an antitrust suit against Microsoft in Redmond's least favorite place to litigate, the EU. The suit claims that Microsoft is stifling competition by distributing Internet Explorer in its Windows OS. The Norwegian company, backed by the European Committee for Interoperable Systems (ECIS), a long-time opponent of Microsoft, is asking the EU Commission to force Microsoft to comply with industry standards for web browsers and either unbundle IE from the OS or include other browsers along side IE. That would be the Opera Browser we presume, eh Opera (wink, wink). Unlike Apple, Nokia/Symbian, and others who also bundle a browser with their OS, Opera argues that web designers build their sites with IE in mind due to its dominant position in the marketplace and non-compliance with industry standards for web browsing. As such, other browsers won't render some pages correctly -- a disincentive for users to browse with anything other than Microsoft's IE. Sit tight kids, this ride will be bumpy.Update: Here's Opera's press release on the matter.
Wiiminder: tabbed browsing courtesy of Warp Pipe
Warp Pipe Technologies, who you may remember as the only people ever to support the Gamecube modem, ever, have turned their attentions to a Nintendo console with an actual online strategy. Now they're helping to augment the existing Wii online experience with tabbed browsing. By making the Wii Opera browser work more like the real Opera browser, they've added tabbed browsing (with nice smoke-grey transparent tabs). Just navigate your browser over to here and your browser will be ready to party like it's 2001.We are so much happier about web-based Wii browser extensions (which are already great!) when they are accompanied by such lovely logos. It's the typography that does it. It's so handsome.... what were we saying? Oh yeah. There's a video demonstrating the service after the post break.[Via 4cr]
Pre-installed Opera to come on some WM6 devices?
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.
Wii News Channel to debut this Saturday
Come this Saturday, Wii owners won't even have to put down their waggle-wand to find out how the Wii has shattered the life of another owner, so long as the Associated Press reports it. In a two-year deal with Nintendo, the Associated Press has agreed to supply the Wii's News Channel with both top stories and photographs from around the world.The news itself will be delivered much like the Weather Channel -- on an interactive map. Should you want the local news in a specific location, you may simply select it on the map. This must be how god in all her infinite wisdom and five thighs views our world.The free News Channel (aside from an internet connection, duh) has but one requirement: the Opera browser. So if you plan on shunning all forms of communication to the outside world other than your Wii, you'd better download it now before they actually start charging for it.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Opera 9.1 adds phishing protection
Opera Software's "alternative" web browser, aptly named Opera, hit version 9.10 yesterday. The only new feature of note is the anti-phishing filter they've added, but this release also includes bug fixes aplenty. Opera is still free (although @29 USD will buy you "premium support" via email), it's Universal Binary and you'll need OS X 10.3.9 or later to check it out. Opera has never "felt" right to me on the Mac, so I rarely turn to it, although I do keep a copy handy in my Apps folder for special occasions. That shouldn't and won't stop you from using it, though. For what it's worth, I do like the Opera Mini browser on my Blackberry.
Play homebrew Flash games on the Wii [update 1]
Parallel to the long-awaited launch of the Wii, designer David Stubbs, Aaron Worrall and John Eysman have launched their website, called Wiicade. The first homebrew application we have seen so far for Wii, Wiicade offers gamers a chance to play and possibly create Flash games to be played through the Opera browser. We poked around the site to discover it an instant success. Since the site launch on Sunday, over 16,000 games were played in under 24 hours. Wiicade costs nothing to you and we hope to see more games inspired by the Wiimote appear. If you, like several other disspointed Nintendo fanboys and girls, didn't get your hands on a Wii, you can still enjoy these games on your PC to hold you over. [Update: Remember that these games are not yet available for actual play on the Wii because the Opera Browser is not yet live.] [Via Joystiq]
For your enjoyment: WiiCade
Artist/designer David Stubbs and two partners are launching an ambitious site on November 19th, to coincide with the arrival of the Wii, called WiiCade. The site features Flash games that you can play on the Wii through the Opera browser, and also access via your PC to upload new games or try your hand at designing your own. They should have 15 Flash games up at launch, including two exclusives that feature unique use the Wiimote. Games will auto-fit on all TV screens and are vector based, which should mean no jaggies.This is one of the first homebrew efforts we've seen for the Wii, and we hope to see a lot more in the coming months. The Opera browser and the Wiimote will hopefully make this an attractive target for homebrewers, and hackers as well. So bring on the Wiimote FlyS.W.A.T. Flash game, already.
Optional filter blocks porn from DS Opera browser [Update 1]
We felt a great disturbance in the Force here at the DS Fanboy offices, as if millions of preteen boys cried out in frustration and were suddenly silenced ... in Japan, at least. Digital Arts, Inc., a Japanese security firm piggy-backed their optional DS content-filtering service onto the release of the Opera DS browser in Japan. The service, called i-Filter (because i equals cool, right?), will block pornographic or other "undesirable" content for a monthly fee of 315 yen (less than three dollars American). What is "undesirable" content, exactly? Good question. But Digital Arts promises that their employees personally check which sites to blacklist in order to avoid the blocking of non-offensive sites. Now that's a job to brag about at parties!"I'm a stockbroker. I have a yacht. And what do you do?""Me? Oh, I get paid to surf the internet for offensive content."That's a win every time. But it probably comes with long hours, considering .... [Update 1: Clarification issues!]
