Got yourself a shiny new or but found the stock Android web browser wanting? Well, whilst your definitely in the minority (’cos there aint nowt wrong with it), being the haven for customisation that Android is, you can now download a new browser from the Android Market. And, when it comes to mobile web browsers, there’s only one name worth knowing; Opera.
That’s right, Opera Mini 5.1 has now launched and is yours absolutely nothing. That’s right, Opera Mini is 100% free of charge so even if you’re happy with the standard Android browser it might be worth checking out. The headline benefits, as with any Opera Browser, include faster page loading times and rendering, password management and tabbed browsing. Not bad eh? To check out Opera Mini 5.1 in action take a look at the video below and to join the Android revolution to check out all the latest Android mobile phones.
We’ve been following this one ever since we first caught wind of it at last months Mobile World Congress and for good reason as, if successful, it could mark the start of a wave of copy-cat apps. For those unfamiliar with the origins of this story, is an port of the popular web browser currently used on over 50 million phones worldwide. Opera were showing off the app playing nicely with an iPhone at MWC but now the app has taken one step closer to an official release; Opera have submitted the app to Apple for approval!
The Opera Mini web browser is unique as it boasts the ability to load pages faster by compressing web pages by up to 90% for even faster load times whilst this compression occurs on a remote server saving your phone from any unnecessary processing. Initial tests carried out by Opera themselves proved the Opera Mini browser was up to 6 times faster than the iPhone’s built in Safari browser. And not only does this improve speed but also reduces data usage, not something your average iPhone user will worry about in the UK thanks to inclusive data but definitely something to consider when using your abroad.
From the above, it seems it should be a no-brainer for Apple to approve Opera Mini for iPhone but the problem is, Apple has yet to approve a single third party web browser app for the iPhone. Opera are adamant they’ve followed all the submission guidelines to the finest detail but whether this will be enough for the sometimes overbearing Apple remains to be seen. Keep an eye on the and we’ll let you know as soon as the Opera Mini for iPhone app is green lit or rebuffed.
Opera are synonymous with web browsers. The Norwegian outfit are the major player when it comes to third party web browsers, currently powering millions of phones across the globe. The reason? Opera brings with it several enhancements over a standard web browser, the main advantage being speed. The ability to load pages super quick is achieved by compressing web pages by up to 90% for even faster load times whilst this compression occurs on a remote server saving your phone from any unecessary processing.
All very well and good, but what if you’ve got an Android ? Well, don’t fret, Opera Mini 5 is now available in Beta for . Available to download from Opera’s site and found in the Android Market app store, Opera Mini 5 comes with all the usual goodies - the aforementioned speed, tabbed browsing, password managers, bookmarks and speed dial. It’s easy to see why Opera is the browser of choice for so many mobile users.
Opera Mini 5 Beta for Android follows hot on the heels of its variation which was rolled out last week. And, with Opera also beavering away on an for the and nearly ready to be submitted to Apple for approval (though it’s anyone’s guess if Apple will give it the go ahead), it might not be too long before we see an Opera browser on every smartphone operating system. If you’ve got an Android phone and want to check out the Opera Mini 5 Beta in the Android Market. Not got an Android phone but want one? Then check out our range of Android powered mobile phones .