Opera’s Browser Ballot Screen Results

According to Opera Software, more than a half of web browser downloads from Europe is a direct result of Ballot Screen launch.

This confirms that when users are given a real choice on how they choose the most important piece of software on their computer, the browser, they will try out alternatives,” said Håkon Wium Lie, CTO of Opera Software.

Company has also shared the following statistics: Read more

Opera Downloads Triples, Ballot Screen to “Blame”?

According to Rolf Assev, Opera’s chief strategy officer, desktop browser downloads has tripled in some of the countries, since the launch of ballot screen.

Although Opera 10.50 Final was released at the time of ballot screen debut (1 day difference), he added: “We compared the downloads against previous launches, such as Opera 10.0, 10.10 and 9.5, and the tripling is above what we would normally expect with a new version launch”.

Waiting for download numbers…

Opera 10.50, the Evolution of Performance

One of our readers, Daniel Hendrycks has spent quite some time benchmarking all the weekly/nightly builds of Opera 10.50 web browser, to give you a glimpse, on how its performance has evolved.

Read more

Opera 10.50 Final Released

Just as expected, today Opera Software has released the final version of Opera 10.50 for Windows, with Mac and Linux versions soon to follow.

In case you don’t know yet, Opera 10.50 has received a significant performance boost, thanks to their new JavaScript and rendering engines. Updated look and new features are also in the package.

What’s new?
Better integration with the Windows operating system
Opera “O” tab and menu Read more

Opera 10.50 RC Released

It appears that Opera is really pushing for Opera 10.50 Final release (more on that in the upcoming article), as Opera 10.50 RC has been just released, few days after Beta 2; and just like Beta 2, this build is Windows only release.

Besides bug fixes and continuous stabilization, release candidate received a new feature, which allows to seek through video that is not yet completelly downloaded.

Download:
Windows MSI / Windows Classic

Thanks to MarkG for news tip.

Opera 10.50 Beta 2 Released

One more Opera 10.50 Beta has been released by Opera Software, as company continues to stabilize and improve web browser.

Highlights (changelog)
Skin work, and tweaked styling of internal pages (opera:* and error pages)
Improved opera:config
Improved overlay authentication dialogs to avoid spoofing Read more

Opera Software Q4 2009 Financial Results

Earlier this week, Opera Software has revealed their Q4 2009 financial results. Some of the highlights are:

Opera Mobile: 47 new models in 2009, shipments of 4.2 million.
Opera Mini: 172 new models in 2009

Opera Desktop: Users up 37% since 4Q08 (up 11% vs3Q09)
• Revenue up 20% (up 37% on constant currency basis)
• Successful launch of Opera 10 and 10.10
• Users up 125% since 4Q07 to approximately 46 million in December 2009 Read more

Apple Calls Opera Software, Talks about Opera Mini

According to Norwegian news page digi.no, due to growing interest in Opera Mini for the iPhone, Apple has called Opera Software to discuss about the possible partnership between these two companies.

Although no more details were revealed, Håkon Wium Lie (Opera’s Chief Technology Officer) feels confident, that Opera Mini will be approved.

When asked about the possible pricing, he said: We have not decided yet. Typically, the way that you download and use Opera for free (*translated*).

Via Haavard blog.

Wait, What? Opera Buys AdMarvel

Now here is something totally fresh. Just few weeks ago, Opera Software Received a new CEO and it looks like he is pushing for something new.

What’s that? Well, today, in press release, company announced that they have acquired mobile advertising company AdMarvel for an undisclosed amount of money.

“In our fast-growing industry, mobile advertising represents an interesting long-term revenue opportunity. Every month, nearly 50 million people access the Web using Opera on their mobile phones and together with AdMarvel, we think we can play an important role in the evolution of mobile advertising,” said Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software.

Update: “The agreed acquisition price is approximately USD 8 million in cash. The acquisition structure also envisages up to an additional USD 15 million in cash consideration, paid only if certain aggressive financial targets are met over the next 24 months.”

I am really excited to see the outcome of this acquisition. Do you?

Opera Software Receives a New CEO

Now here is a bombshell. Today, Opera Software has announced that Jon S. von Tetzchner is stepping down from CEO position and will be replaced by Lars Boilesen, Opera’s current Chief Commercial Officer.

About Lars Boilesen Read more

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