Opera gears up for new browser performance with latest beta

By Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Monday, 28 April 2008 07:09

Opinion and Analysis

Browser company Opera is preparing its star of the browser stage for its latest performance: Opera 9.5 Beta 2. Is Opera’s latest beta... better?

Codenamed Kestrel, Opera’s latest browser is no medieval minstrel, but a modern day diva taking on its competitors from Apple, Microsoft and Mozilla.

Aiming for the high notes, the new Opera has found itself revved up with the latest performance enhancing tricks to soup up speed and security, while refining its stellar features that set Opera apart from the competition.

Now, while use of Opera 9.5 beta 2 is only recommended for those who enjoy bashing around with betas, it’s now happily installed on my computer and it veritably flies across the web – in much the same manner as Firefox 3 and the latest Safari have also enjoy speed boosts.

Anyone that would like to have a dalliance with the diva, need but point whichever browser they currently use to Opera’s website to see what all the fuss is about.

Whether you shout ‘encore, encore’ for a repeat performance is, naturally, up to you – but as Opera 9.5 beta 2 is but a full dress rehearsal, the opening night of the official Opera 9.5 should prove even more exciting – and it’s promised to come soon.

So, just what features are contained within the new browser to encourage you to enjoy a night, day and matinee out at the Opera? Here’s a list of the star billings:

First up is Quick Find. Opera advises it’s the perfect tool to help you find what you found before, but have now lost.

Start typing in a keyword – be it part of a web address, or some text from a page you recently visited – and Opera will bring up a drop down list, from the address bar, of sites you’ve visited which have a match. It can be quite handy – no more scouring through your history list of recently visited sites to find that elusive site that just doesn’t pop into your mental memory banks.

Don’t want this feature? Then disable the history function of Opera – or clear the history as required if you’ve visited sites you don’t want other people to see if you’re using a common use computer.

Then there’s Opera Link, a free service that connects your Opera Speed Dial, Bookmarks and Personal Bar between Opera, Opera Mini (the fantastic and free browser for mobile phones), and the Web itself – if you find you’re at a computer that isn’t your own, and you need access to your links.

It’s password protected so your private links are safe – and when using Opera on your phone or other computer, just log in to have your links universally available!

So, what else in under Opera’s costumed kimono? Please read onto page 2 to have a peek...