Android users can now enjoy a new version of the Opera Mini mobile browser, available for free from Google Play. The newly redesigned interface achieves a native Android look and feel.
The upgraded version of Opera Mini for Android coincides with the announcement of Opera’s high growth targets for the Android platform.
“We aim to reach 275-million users on the Android platform by 2017, more than doubling today’s user base of 130 million. This growth will further cement Opera’s position as a dominant browser in fast-growing, emerging economies,” says Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software.
Android had a market share of better than 81% among smartphone operating systems in 2014, according to IDC. This trend dovetails with Opera’s growing user base on Android.
In addition to the new user interface, the latest Opera Mini includes the following features:
* A simplified menu;
* Overhauled speed dial;
* A private-browsing mode;
* Options to customise the browser layout for more thumb-friendly surfing;
* A scalable interface with higher resolution for tablets and large phones;
* Updates to the Discover newsfeed to provide more of the latest content across the Web; and
* A data counter to show daily progress on data savings, helping users keep data costs under control.
Like previous Opera Mini versions, Opera Mini 8 compresses Webpages to as little as 10% of their original size. This decreased data traffic means users get to their content faster, extending their data plans further.
“Opera Mini is the browser that gets you from A to B on the Web, no matter where you are, what your network is like or which device you use,” says Christian Uribe, product manager for Opera Mini. “Today’s updated features and design make Opera Mini a browser that’s truly enjoyable to use, with a lighter and fresher browsing experience.”