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Opera Mobile 10 features tabbed browsing, disses WinMo

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Nov 4th 2009 at 2:37PM

Symbian freaks, do we have a treat for you! While all your WinMo-lovin' friends are out there with Opera Mobile 9.5 (or possibly 9.7), a beta of version 10 has just been announced exclusively for Nokia / Symbian smartphones. As well as being as speedy as ever (fifty percent faster than previous Symbian versions, or so it's been claimed), this release features a new-and-improved user interface and a "speed dial" page that displays all your fave sites as icons. Not too shabby, eh? Hit the read link to get the thing for your Symbian/S60 phone -- but not before peeping the video after the break.

[Via Mobile Tech World]

Continue reading Opera Mobile 10 features tabbed browsing, disses WinMo

Sprint temporarily loses its mind, wants $250 for Samsung Instinct HD

by Darren Murph posted Sep 24th 2009 at 10:32AM

And you thought T-Mobile and Sprint were sniffing the good stuff when they demanded $350 for the HTC Touch Pro2. Shortly after Instinct HD boxes began showing up at select Sprint stores, the flagging carrier has finally come forward with an official ship date (9/27) and price. Try as we may, we still can't figure out why exactly "HD" is tacked on the end of this thing; the 480 x 320 display is decidedly average, it can't play back high-def content on the device itself, and the "HD" video output is a feature that approximately 3.8 Earthlings will ever use (on a phone like this, anyway). Compounding the problem is the remarkable lack of detail in the specifications -- Sprint simply swears that its 5 megapixel camera and video record mode are HD, but it fails to provide any elaboration whatsoever. Other specs include WiFi, EV-DO Rev A support, Opera Mobile 9.7, an ambient light sensor, haptic feedback and an accelerometer, but even those can't help justify the $249.99 (after a $100 mail-in rebate and a two-year agreement) asking price. Hey Sprint -- we thought you guys were actually looking to gain subscribers. Right?

Wii Internet Channel free from now on, the way it should be

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Sep 1st 2009 at 4:29PM

Hey man, you don't owe us an explanation. Times are tough, so maybe you just don't have the 500 Wii points (that is, five bucks) to get in on the Wii Internet Channel, and you missed the free launch event way back in 2006. Well, you're in for a treat: effective immediately, Wii owners can download the thing, free of charge, in perpetuity. And if you already shelled out the bones? Don't worry -- starting at the end of October, consumers who have previously exchanged 500 Wii Points to download the Internet Channel will get one NES game of their choice (of the same value) from Virtual Console. But that ain't all -- the Internet Channel has got a little upgrade in the form of Adobe Flash Lite 3.1, just the thing for all your YouTube needs. Hit the read link to get started.

Video: Opera 10 promises Turbo browsing using Scandinavian flat-packing knowhow

by Thomas Ricker posted Sep 1st 2009 at 3:41AM

We've got to hand it to the kids at Opera who somehow manage to maintain relevance while battling Microsoft, Apple, Google and Mozilla for browser market-share. Opera 10 is now available for download featuring a redesigned UI, a resizable tab bar with Visual Tab thumbnail previews of each loaded page, and Opera Link synchronization for keeping bookmarks and more synchronized between all your Opera devices. It's biggest feature, however, is Opera Turbo: a new compression technology that Ikea flat-packs web pages for fast transport over slow connections. See it demonstrated in the video after the break.

Continue reading Video: Opera 10 promises Turbo browsing using Scandinavian flat-packing knowhow

PlayOn for Wii beta to be announced tomorrow

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Aug 25th 2009 at 2:46PM

We know that some of you streaming media fanatics have been indulging in this one for the better part of a month already, but just in case: tomorrow the kids at MediaMall officially announce the beta release of PlayOn for Wii. The software license runs $39.99, but there is a 14-day free trial -- so you can see for yourself whether or not it makes sense to tie up your console with re-runs of CSI: Miami when you could be better off shakin' your groove thing to Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party. Hit the read link and decide for yourself.

[Via New York Times]

PlayOn media server now serving Wii customers (in beta, anyway)

by Darren Murph posted Jul 30th 2009 at 2:49AM

We knew good and well that the fine folks over at MediaMall were toiling away in an attempt to bring internet TV content from YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, CBS, CNN and a host of other sources to Nintendo's white-hot Wii, but there's just nothing like hearing that intentions have become reality. Based on an email from MediaMall support to a particularly curious user, the "latest version of PlayOn includes a beta version of Wii functionality in it." Naturally, the company's doing its darnedest to keep this under wraps for now, but we're eager to get legions of Wii users testing it out and reporting back with performance evaluations. The note does mention that quality will be lower than on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 due to the inherit hardware limitations on Nintendo's baby, but hey, you knew that going in, right? Hop on past the break for the letter in its entirety, which includes instructions on getting this going on your console.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Continue reading PlayOn media server now serving Wii customers (in beta, anyway)

Opera Unite: a cloud-based promise to 'reinvent the web,' again

by Thomas Ricker posted Jun 16th 2009 at 3:57AM

Opera has a little surprise in store for you this morning with its Opera Unite service. A web-based application built into the Opera browser that the Norwegian-based company says will "reinvent the Web" as it makes your computer, data, and media available via any web browser through the Unite cloud. A bold claim, sure, but just look at the breadth of the cloud-based services available to Mac, PC, or Linux/Unix users:

File sharing -- securely share files direct from your computer
Web server -- turns your home computer into a web server via Opera Unite URL
Media player -- direct link to your music collection from any web browser
Photo sharing -- shares your image library over the web without requiring a photo service
Lounge -- self-contained chat service running on your computer
Fridge -- a place where friends and family can post notes

We're taking the service / software for a spin right now and at first blush, we're duly impressed by the ease of setup and control. Hit the links below to try it for yourself. Video introduction after the break.

Read -- Download
Read -- Opera Unite press release

Continue reading Opera Unite: a cloud-based promise to 'reinvent the web,' again

DigiFi and Kleer debut Digital Opera S2, S5 wireless earbuds

by Donald Melanson posted May 19th 2009 at 2:51PM

We haven't heard much from the Kleer / DigiFi combo since they finally brought their first Opera wireless earbuds to the US at the beginning of the year, but they're now back with not one but two new sets of 'phones, including the follow-up Digital Opera S2 and the Made for iPod Digital Opera S5. As you might suspect, both models are mostly identical, and pack the same 32 foot range and ten hours of playtime as before, along with the usual promise of uncompressed, CD quality audio. The S5 model, however, adds an iPod-compatible transmitter and some control buttons right on the headphones themselves, while the S2 opts for a basic 3.5mm-based transmitter to accomodate your non-Apple gadgets. No word on pricing just yet, but both should be available on June 20th.

Video: Nintendo DSi browser dramatically outpaces the DS Lite

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Feb 23rd 2009 at 3:33PM

Good news for all you crazy kids waiting in eager anticipation for the Nintendo DSi's Stateside release. According to very scientistic benchmarks conducted by the folks over at N+, the up-and-coming handheld's Opera browser not only loads the New York Times website much faster than the DS Lite does, but it's clever enough to start with the text -- giving you something to read while you wait for pictures of the war torn Gaza Strip to materialize (and bum you out on an otherwise beautiful Monday afternoon). Unlike the DS Lite, Opera for the DSi is free, and it can be saved directly to the device's internal memory. No fuss, no muss -- right? But don't take our word for it, we've been kind enough to provide a video for your after the break.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading Video: Nintendo DSi browser dramatically outpaces the DS Lite

Palm Centro 2 leaked, lacking QWERTY? (update: nope)

by Thomas Ricker posted Aug 11th 2008 at 6:12AM

As good as it looks, we're not going to get too carried away with this supposedly leaked Centro 2 image. While the mockup certainly looks professional, there's no way of knowing at this point whether or not it's from Palm official or just the dream of a downcast fanboy. If true, then we're looking at a new, presumably QWERTY-less touchscreen device with what looks like an Opera (not Blazer) browser, dedicated media keys, and Bell Mobility Canada branding. A design which would certainly be "breakthrough" and "revolutionary" for Palm smartphones. Hit the read link for a bigger pic while we shake-down our sources for more input.

Update: Sigh, it was too good to last. Turns out that it's just a Photoshop project. Palm, do the right thing and hire this guy.

[Thanks, Robert and Joe F.]

DigiFi's wireless Opera headset supports a 4 person flashmob

by Thomas Ricker posted May 1st 2008 at 6:04AM

We're been fans of Kleer wireless audio technology since we first gave it a listen back at CES in January 2007. Unfortunately, lackluster products have held back its potential over Bluetooth audio. While DigiFi's Opera headset isn't likely to tip the balance, these headphones are interesting nonetheless. The buds ship with a mini-jack dongle and offer 10 hours of playtime and CD-quality sound. Not bad, but they also allow you to tune in up to 3 additional Opera wearing friends. Silent raves will never be the same. Available today in Korea, worldwide eventually for $98.

[Via AVING]

Video: Opera Mobile 9.5 redesign is lickity quick, slick

by Thomas Ricker posted Feb 5th 2008 at 5:22AM

Bring it, we say. Opera Mobile 9.5 is prepped and (almost) ready for beta release. Version 9.5 is noticeably faster thanks to a re-engineered Presto rendering engine and features a new browser interface and downloadable Opera Widgets. A World Factbook widget pulls data from Flickr, Google Maps, and CIA World Factbook simultaneously. Opera was more than happy to compare their new browser with Microsoft's Internet Explorer Mobile to demonstrate the obvious -- IE mobile is cruel. Opera mobile 9.5 will see its first public unveiling starting February 11th at GSMA with a public Symbian, WinMo, and Linux beta expected soon. Click on through for the video.

Continue reading Video: Opera Mobile 9.5 redesign is lickity quick, slick

Microsoft due for another round of EU antitrust probes

by Joshua Topolsky posted Jan 14th 2008 at 12:26PM

Microsoft, the ever-present target of scorn from the little guy, has once again been hit with antitrust charges in the EU, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal today. This time it's charges related to the company's refusal to disclose "interoperability information" for a variety of products, including Office, which is keeping competitors from marketing compatible software (we've heard complaints of this type from Open Office users for some time). Additionally -- just as we reported in December -- Norwegian web browser outfit Opera is stepping up to the plate, alleging that Redmond's inclusion of Internet Explorer with its ubiquitous operating system leaves little room for rival companies to enter the game. Considering how Microsoft's last antitrust case went in the EU, this may bode poorly for the giant, though a ruling in favor of reforms could benefit the end user. Stay tuned to this space for more information as we get it.

Unofficial Wii Opera SDK let loose

by Donald Melanson posted Dec 21st 2007 at 3:07PM

It looks like web browsing on the Wii is about to get a whole lot more interesting, as an entirely unofficial Wii Opera SDK has now been released to the general public, opening up the possibility for all sorts of browser-based games, among other things. What's more, the SDK allows developers with the necessary know-how to take full advantage of the Wiimote, including the ability to detect the remote's distance from the sensor bar, along with any button presses, and movement along the Z-axis. That makes things like the familiar-looking "2 Play Ship Demo" pictured above fully playable using the Wiimote, as well as more basic things like drawing and 3D rotation. Those looking to get started on a homebrew game of their own can hit up the read link below for the necessary files, while the rest of us can try out a handful of ready made demos at the same link.

[Via Joystiq]

Opera files EU antitrust suit against Microsoft for bundling IE

by Thomas Ricker posted Dec 13th 2007 at 6:40AM

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.