Opera offers Android alternative

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 25 Nov 2008 at 12:25

Opera has released the first alternative browser for Google's Android mobile platform, Mini 4.2.

According to Opera, the new version of Mini allows T-Mobile G1 users the ability "to experience a faster and less costly way to browse the full internet" due to the fact that its proxy server compresses downloads by up to 90%.

This may be stretching the benefits slightly, given that G1 users have an unlimited data cap anyway. Though, as the company notes it could prove attractive for businesses users, or those on roaming tariffs.

The browser aims to replicate the desktop surfing experience by providing a small image of the full web page and allowing the user to scroll around and zoom in on the parts they wish to read. However, support for YouTube and other mobile video services is provided by a bridge to the phone's native browser, or media player.

Among its other features, Opera Mini 4.2 offers the ability to synch bookmarks, notes, history and speed dial through the Link utility. There also a range of skins, and full text search.

Anybody wishing to try Opera Mini 4.2 can download it here.