Opera (web browser)

Opera (web browser). Opera is a freeware web browser developed by the Norwegian company Opera Software. First released in 1995, it is known for pioneering features like tabbed browsing and a built-in ad blocker. The browser is available for major operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

History

The development of Opera began in 1994 at the Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor. A team led by Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner and Geir Ivarsøy created the initial version, which was publicly released on April 10, 1995. The browser was commercial software until 2000, when an advertising-supported free version was launched. A major transition occurred in 2013 when Opera Software announced it would switch from its proprietary Presto engine to the Chromium project's Blink engine, a move completed with version 15. In 2016, a consortium of Chinese investors, including Golden Brick Capital and Yonglian Investment, acquired Opera Software's browser and related assets for $600 million, forming Opera Limited.

Features

Opera has introduced and integrated numerous features that have influenced the broader browser market. It was an early pioneer of tabbed browsing and includes a built-in ad blocker and cryptocurrency wallet. The browser's signature Speed Dial provides visual bookmarks on the new tab page. Other notable features include a free, integrated virtual private network (VPN), a battery saver mode, and a sidebar for quick access to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. Its Opera Turbo mode compresses data to improve loading times on slow connections.

Development and technology

Opera is primarily written in C++ and, since 2013, has been based on the open-source Chromium project. This gives it compatibility with the vast Chrome Web Store and underlying technologies like the V8 JavaScript engine. The browser's user interface is built using native code for each operating system to ensure performance and integration. Opera Software maintains a rapid release cycle, with updates every few weeks. The company also develops and contributes to various web standards through its participation in organizations like the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

Market share and reception

Globally, Opera holds a relatively small share of the desktop browser market, consistently trailing behind giants like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. However, it has achieved more significant success in certain regions, particularly in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia, where its data-saving features are highly valued. The browser has received praise from technology publications such as PCWorld and TechRadar for its innovative features and efficiency. It has also won awards, including the prestigious European Innovation Scoreboard award for its role in advancing web technology.

Opera variants and related software

Opera Software develops several specialized browsers and applications. Opera GX is a version tailored for gamers, featuring performance controls and RGB lighting integration. Opera Mini is a lightweight mobile browser that uses server-side compression to drastically reduce data usage. Opera Touch is designed for one-handed use on smartphones. The company also offers Opera News, a content aggregation app, and has experimented with other projects like the Opera Coast browser for iOS. These products are part of the portfolio of Opera Limited, which is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange.

Category:Web browsers Category:Freeware Category:Software companies of Norway