Today sees the launch of the latest Opera browser v9.5, albeit as a Beta version. This long awaited upgrade to the Opera platform delivers a smooth intuitive user experience, responds faster and offers up to date features including tabbed browsing, auto-complete and AJAX support. This version is designed for touch screen devices and supports versions 5 and 6 of Windows Mobile.

Best Mobile Browser

Opera Mobile 9.5 has previously been available only on the HTC Touch Diamond, and has already earned the reputation as the best mobile browser bar none, yes, even better than Safari on the iPhone! This is an upgrade from the excellent v8.65 which has maintained a reputation as an IE Mobile beater with its first class small screen rendering capability. The tabbed browsing included has been a powerful feature that has set Opera apart.

Complete Re-Design

Don’t be deceived by the version numbering, this is a complete re-design with the aim to bring the experience close to the desktop version with comparable page load speeds, thanks to the Opera Presto rendering engine. Things like the tabbed browsing are now much easier to use, plus a new ability to “Save Page’ for later reading. A neat feature is the ability to click (touch) on an image in a web page and a menu pops up to choose to send it immediately as an email or MMS. On a good screen this browser is state of the art for the mobile web.

Opera Widgets

Opera widgets is also included, this provides access to download and run small useful programs on your mobile (see link below). Typical popular downloads include: SimAquarium, World Webcams, TouchTheSky (weather), Analog Clock, etc..

The Beta version has a few caveats, it is English language only, ActiveX not working yet, and not recommended for install on memory cards. The Opera Forum is a good place to read the latest user feedback. (link below)

Opera Mobile 9.5 Browser New Features: