Opera 9 Web Browser Unleashed
Opera Software on Tuesday rolled out version 9.0 of its free Web browser across 25 languages on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X platforms. The release adds a number of major new features, including widgets and support for BitTorrent downloads.
Widgets are small mini-applications that typically run inside another program. The basic idea is to enable developers to quickly build useful applications with simple scripting languages like JavaScript and DHTML. Opera notes that its widget support can be used for multimedia, news feeds, games and more.
"For Opera 9, we worked hard to push the limits of what people expect from a Web browser, with increased speed, new Web standards support and innovative features such as widgets and BitTorrent," said Opera CEO Jon S. von Tetzchner.
"Even though we shaped this browser for the Web’s future, we have the powerful features people want and need for their surfing today."
BitTorrent support will help Opera target those savvy P2P users who don't want to bother with an external application for their downloads. Users are able to search for files on the BitTorrent network through integrated search functionality, which then would use Opera's Transfer Manager software to handle the download.
The move could anger intellectual property holders, however, who see BitTorrent as a boon to piracy. The technology is currently used almost exclusively for the illegal distribution of copyrighted material by end users, even thought it is simply a communication protocol that facilitates efficient distribution of very large files.
Other new features in Opera 9 include a content blocker for removing ads and images from a Web site, improved rich text editing and site-specific preferences. Opera has even taken a feature from AOL's Explorer browser: 9.0 pops up thumbnail previews of a Web site when the mouse hovers over a tab.
To help promote Opera 9, the company has created an advertising campaign called "Your Web, Your Choice," which emphasizes that users shouldn't be stuck with the Web browser that comes with Windows. "I truly feel Opera 9 has something for everyone," said von Tetzchner.
Download Opera 9.0 for Windows, Linux or Mac OS X and tell us what you think.