New Opera Mini hits the right note

David Swan
Wednesday, 16 September 2009 20:07

Your IT - Entertainment

Opera Software today released Opera Mini 5 beta, the newest update to the world's most popular Web browser for mobiles. What’s new, and is it an essential download?

In this fifth-generation version, Opera Mini seems to be staying true to the company's promise of “a superior Web experience on any device.” Introducing a new, sleek look, Speed Dial bookmarks and tabs - together with Opera's speed - make this new version of Opera Mini the easiest-to-use Web browser on a phone.

My early tests have confirmed that the new version is indeed everything you’d want out of a mobile browser, although it only worked on one of my devices (Nokia N73). My INQ version was buggy and didn’t display properly, although, to be fair, Opera‘s website mentions,  “Phone support may vary while in beta.” For the purposes of this article I checked out the app using my N73, rather than the INQ.

Now, onto my 5 favourite features:

1. The new design - Opera Mini 5 features a new, intuitive and advanced look and feel. It’s completely different from version 4, and feels more akin to a desktop experience. I’m a fan.
2. Tabbed browsing – Everyone knew that this was coming to mobiles eventually, it’s a bit of a ‘no-brainer’… but it works well and is a welcome addition.
3. Touchscreen browsing – I wasn’t able to utilize this feature, but I saw it listed and I can see how it would really bring an ‘iPhone-esque’ browsing experience to users with other touchscreen phones.  
4. Password manager – Opera Mini is a virtual memory bank, securely saving all passwords for e-mail, social-networking sites, online banking and others. Just don’t lose your phone!
5. Speed Dial – According to Opera itself, “this is our take on a table of contents for your Web adventure.” Opera’s Speed Dial will greet you with your pre-selected Internet favourites upon loading the browser, and although it was present in the previous version its design, like the rest of the browser, is much improved.

"In our own research, we have learned that the number-one reason people use Opera Mini is because it is easy - easy to use the Web you know. The idea of navigating the vastness of the Web from such a small screen can be a daunting leap, which is why we have long committed to make the browsing experience you are familiar with from your PC, easy to do on your mobilephone," said Jon von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software.

 "With new, sleek navigation buttons, tabbed browsing and Speed Dial bookmarks, you are never more than a click away from where you want to go on the Web.

It’s fair to say I ran the new mobile browser through its paces, and it passed with flying colours. I was a big fan of Opera Mini 4, however version 5 is much more visually appealing, particularly with tabs now in play. Browsing didn’t seem any faster, but for a free download there’s nothing that really compares.

Apart from my little compatibility issue, there’s no reason not to give it a try straight away. Compatibility is sure to be added for further devices as the beta moves to a final release.

Worth remembering, too, is that Mozilla is still reportedly working on its mobile browser which is due later in the year. Exciting times, indeed.

In order to download the new Opera Mini beta, direct your phone's existing Web browser to http://m.opera.com/next, where the Opera Mini 5 beta is available free of charge.