Opera Mini 7 mobile browser gets social with non-smartphones

Owners of feature phones —those somewhere between the basic call-and-text-only and full-fledged smartphones— can now get social media updates, thanks to Opera's new Mini 7 browser.

 

The new app has a "smart page" that makes it easier to check for updates on Facebook and other sites, tech site The Next Web reported.

 

"Beyond providing a convenient place to catch up with goings-on from Facebook, Twitter and others — which are popular in emerging markets where Opera is strong — the smart page also includes suggested news sites and can be customised to add other feeds," it said.

 

Opera Mini 7, which uses Opera servers to compress data from websites, is available for Java-compatible (J2ME), S60 and BlackBerry feature phones.

 

The Next Web also quoted Opera CEO Lars Boilesen as saying the new "Smart Page" feature allows a user to "just open the browser, and the content is right beside your Speed Dial shortcuts in the start screen for you to skim through — super practical, super time-saving and super smart."

 

Even better for prepaid phone users, the feature can "optimize" usage and lessen the need to visit the sites directly, The Next Web said.

 

"Given that most feature phone owners are pre-pay customers, and are charged for mobile Internet usage by what they consume, the page and Opera’s data compression technology means Opera Mini 7 users can enjoy more time online," it said.

 

Citing data from Opera, The Next Web said Opera's browser family, including those for mobiles, tablets, computers and smart TVs, are used by more than 250 million people worldwide.

 

It added more than 168 million people used the Opera Mini browser in March 2012, during which time a total of 117 billion pages were served.

 

"That reach is one reason why Facebook has taken an interest in the Norwegian firm. The social network is reportedly in discussions to buy the company, although sources informed us that Opera is talking to at least two possible bidders, one of which is Facebook," it said. — TJD, GMA News