One of the biggest strengths of Android is the near endless customisation available to the user. Don't like the stock set-up out of the box, go ahead and change it. The stock Android browser has always been extremely capable and the Ice cream Sandwich browser is one of the smoothest and fastest in the market. Mozilla's Firefox has been steadily improving since its lacklustre arrival on Android. Google really upped the ante in the browser wars when they released the fabulous Chrome for mobile on Android ICS devices and today it's Opera's turn to show its hand.
The latest release offers a number of performance and usability enhancements as well as a new take on Opera's ‘speed dial' feature which it believes to be more efficient than the standard bookmark approach that most browsers use. Perhaps the biggest Unique Selling Point for Opera's mobile browser is the claim that the advanced compression techniques on-board reduce the amount of data required to load a webpage by up to 90%, a huge benefit for users without unlimited data plans.
Hit the link below to try it for yourself. Be sure to let us know how it compares to your everyday browser of choice in the comments.
Google Play Store
You can also heck out the full press release below.
Opera Mini 7: The must-have app for Android available today
At last! The wait for Opera Mini 7 is over.
Oslo, Norway — March 28, 2012
Taking a page from Etta James, Opera Mini 7 is “a thrill to press your cheek to” for Android users. Today, Opera Software launched the Opera Mini 7 web browser in a final version for the Android platform.
This must-have app is your web surfing soulmate. 160 million monthly users of Opera Mini already know that this must-have app makes web browsing on your phone faster and can help save costs. If you’re watching your mobile data diet, now’s the time to go download the Opera Mini 7 app from the Android Market.
What’s new, Stu?
Glad you asked, Max! Opera Mini 7 for Android makes browsing faster and panning around sites smoother, thanks to improved hardware acceleration.
Feeling boxed in by only nine favorite Speed Dial sites on the Home Screen? With Opera Mini 7, you get as many Speed Dial buttons as you’ll ever want. Add all the sites you want to see right from the moment you start up your browser. No more messing around with fiddly mobile keyboards or bookmarks.
Perfect travel companion
Ever needed to look something up online when you’re away from your home mobile network? Using the web while traveling can turn into an expensive adventure … unless you’re an Opera Mini user on Android. Opera Mini 7 compresses, squeezes and jams webpages from the network into your phone.
Up to 90% of the original data gets cut out, so not only do you use less data, but you also get where you want to go on the web even faster. You’ll also save time on slow networks. It’s the must-have web-travel companion!
Download Opera Mini 7 from Android Market or m.opera.com.
About Opera Software ASA
The worldwide World Wide Web — any device, any platform, any bandwidth, absolutely anywhere in the world. Opera Software was founded in 1994, based on the idea that access to the web should be a universal right. 250 million people (and counting) use the Opera web browsers for computers, mobile phones, TVs and other connected devices. Opera also delivers tools, distribution, engagement, monetization and market insights to developers, publishers and brands around the world. We are passionate about breaking down barriers, so everyone can share in the power of the internet. Our vision of one web for all remains at the heart of what we do, because we believe that participation changes everything. Opera Software ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. ‘Opera’, ‘Opera Software’, ‘Opera Mini’ and the ‘O’ logo are trademarks of Opera Software ASA. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.
