Opera Mini 5 Now Available as a Native Windows Mobile App

Opera Software today released a new version of the Opera Mini 5 web browser for Windows Mobile smartphones.

Unlike previous version, this is a native app, not written on Java. By creating a native application, Opera says it was able to offer a browser that significantly improves performance and the overall user experience.

It is also available to a wider audience, as many Windows Mobile devices don't include the Java software.

This version is still a beta, but it includes the same features as the Java-based one, including tabbed browsing, the password manager, bookmarks, and Speed Dial.

Opera Mini doesn't include all the features of the full Opera Mobile, but it requires a smaller "footprint" of resources. In addition, it compresses data traffic by up to 90 percent, resulting in significantly improved page-loading and speed. This also results in lower browsing costs when on a pay-per-MB data plan or when roaming.

"Windows Mobile deserves a mobile browser that looks better, handles better and delivers better than the default browser," said Dag Olav Norem, Vice President of Products, Opera Software.

Availability
Windows Mobile 5 and 6 users can download Opera Mini 5 beta from m.opera.com/next/.

This is a free download.

Source: Opera Software