| Opera 9 web browser arrives |
Jun. 20, 2006
 Opera Software released the final version of Opera 9, its newest browser, June 20. Opera 9 includes support for widgets, a new security toolbar, customizable search engines, and native support for the BitTorrent file-distribution system.
New features in Opera 9, according to Oslo-based Opera, include:- Widgets -- small web applications (multimedia, newsfeeds, games, etc.) that make the desktop experience more fun, the project said. Web developers can create their own widgets and share them, regardless of operating system, Opera said.
- Built-in BitTorrent support -- instead of having to use a separate BitTorrent application for downloading large files, users can now simply click a torrent file and start the download.
- Content blocker -- users can choose the content they want to view; they can remove ads or images just by right-clicking on the web page and choosing "Block content."
- Improved rich text editing -- for users who employ the latest web mail or blogging services.
- Customizable search engines
- Thumbnail preview -- users can hover any tab to see a thumbnail preview of any web page they have open.
- Site-specific preferences -- enables users to view a site in a different way, deny certain cookies, or block pop-ups on certain sites only
Widgets can be downloaded from Opera's widgets site, where the company already has made available a few examples, such as a circular version of Tetris, several clocks, and a built-in reader for comics sites. Widget developers can create new widgets by using open and common web standards, including JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and SVG and technologies like AJAX, the company said.
Opera also has a security bar to prevent scams like phishing, and Opera 9's pop-up blocker has been strengthened to weed out annoying or potentially malicious pop-ups, Opera said.
"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 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. I truly feel Opera 9 has something for everyone."
You can download Opera 9 free in more than 25 languages for Linux, Windows, Mac OS, and other platforms here. You can see some screen shots here.
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(Click here for further information)
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