Opera is working with Vodafone to introduce a customized version of the Opera Mini browser designed to run on low-cost handsets on 2G networks.
Vodafone is also creating an on-screen browsing experience that is designed to help someone who may have little experience of the internet.The on-screen experience will feature step-by-step, simple instructions in local languages, with a strong emphasis on the use of intuitive icons to help those with lower levels of literacy.
Vodafone is also working on applications which is designed to deliver the most social benefits to users such as email, finding a job, buying and selling services and products, learning foreign languages, as well as getting access to global applications the initiative is initially being rolled out in India.
Vodafone has worked alongside Opera Software to develop an enhanced versionof Opera Mini 5 which is able to give a good internet experience on lower to mid tier handsets connected to second generation networks.Since the Opera Mini 5 browser can compress data by up to 90 percent, it requires less processing power on the handset and uses less network capacity, resulting in a richer internet experience in more challenging conditions.
The Opera Mini 5 browser has been embedded in a range of 20 devices as well as being downloadable to over 250 GPRS supported handsets in Vodafone’s customer base.The move is backed by a string of highly affordable data tariffs designed to give worry-free browsing, with the aim of making a day’s data usage as affordable as possible.
"Opera is all about bringing the best internet experience to anyone, anywhere." said Lars Boilesen, CEO Opera Software. "The internet is the great leveller, and working with Vodafone gives us the opportunity to help bridge the digital divide for millions more worldwide."
