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Opera revamps compression

A new version of the Opera Mini Internet browser for Android now allow users to switch between different data compression methods, allowing them to optimise their data compression depending on the type of network they are on.

In the newest version of Opera Mini mobile browser for Android, users can switch between two different data compression modes: High and Extreme. With these two modes, they can optimize their data compression for different network conditions.

The new High-compression mode compresses web-pages without affecting the page display, making it the perfect mode for surfing the web on 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi networks.

The Extreme-compression mode compresses web-pages extensively, giving users a very high-speed internet experience while using very little mobile data. This mode is ideal for when users are experiencing slow network conditions, or just want to make their data plans last longer. The Extreme-compression mode can affect the layout of the web-pages and was previously the only compression mode available in Opera Mini.

“Opera Mini has for a decade helped hundred of millions of users across the globe to access their favourite content on the internet no matter which mobile phone they had or how slow their data connection was. With the rise of better smartphones and better network conditions our users now want the option to have a less aggressive data compression mode so they can experience the full internet when network conditions allow for it,” says Christian Uribe, Product Manager of Opera Mini at Opera Software.

On Facebook for example, users can clearly see the difference between the two data compression modes. In High-compression mode, users experience the site with more dynamic content and video playback. In Extreme-compression mode, users get a faster experience, but with scaled-down images and a simpler interface with less dynamic content.

Opera aims to become the dominant browser in fast-growing emerging economies

Opera Mini’s update is an important milestone toward Opera’s goal of reaching 275 million Android users by the end of 2017.

“Only half of the mobile population in India is connected to 3G networks, while in Indonesia, more than half of all smartphone users experience network problems daily. And, people all over the world turn off their phones while traveling, due to fear of data-roaming costs. In each case, Opera Mini offers a better web experience,” says Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software.  “We are continuously striving to improve user experience, lowering barriers to get online in all kinds of conditions.”

About the new Opera Mini for Android

In addition to the advanced compression technology, the latest Opera Mini includes the following features:

  • New and improved UI for saved pages and bookmarks
  • Better handling of bigger downloads in High-compression mode
  • Overhauled tab switch
  • Private-browsing mode
  • Options to customize the browser layout for more thumb-friendly surfing
  • A scalable interface with higher resolution for tablets and large phones
  • Updates to the Discover news feed to provide more of the latest content across the web
  • A data counter to show daily progress on data savings, helping users keep data costs under control

How it works

Opera Mini’s compression technology routes requested webpages through one of its data-saving servers. The server removes any extraneous page elements, shaves off image pixels a user won’t miss, diagnoses the state of the user’s connection and compresses any downloads. All this before sending the page back to the user’s device. Opera Mini allows users to do more on the web while getting the most out of their data plans.

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