Opera Mini is one of the popular mobile browsers in Kenya and most developing countries. The browser gained popularity because of its data saving capabilities and a number of other features.
Today, Opera has announced the availability of Opera Mini 50, its latest version of the mobile browser that is available to download. The updated app comes with features including data compression technology, a download manager with offline file sharing capabilities, and a built-in ad-blocker.
Besides these features, the updated app has introduced Opera’s new user interface. The company says the updated design will allow users to interact with the browser and its features in more personal and intuitive ways.
In a statement, the company said, “Since the very first launch almost fifteen years ago, Opera Mini has provided people with a better browsing experience than what they get with the default browser on their smartphones”. “Now, with version 50, it was time for major upgrade to Opera Mini, with a completely redesigned user experience, where we make the most popular features easier to use.”
I have seen the updated features on the Opera Mini Beta app but I am yet to see them of the main Opera Mini app, it should be rolling out in stages so watch out for that.
Biggest Upgrade in Five Years
This is Opera Mini’s biggest upgrade in 5 years and with it the company has integrated a new and versatile status bar that is at the top of the browser screen. With Opera Mini 50 users are able to receive welcome messages during their daily browsing sessions with greetings and hints throughout the day when using the app.
“With Opera Mini 50, we are reinforcing the connection between the users and the features that they love in multiple touch points.” said Andrzej Czarnecki, Product Manager for Opera Mini. “We’ve introduced new styles, themes and user experiences, to improve the access to the features users need while enjoying superior aesthetics.”
For users who want to be in control of their data consumption, there are data saving widgets in the new status bar. Users will be able to see how much data they have saved that particular day.
“We know that data compression in Opera Mini is widely used among our users. Our designers have introduced the new data savings widget on the status bar, to give users detailed information about their data consumption. It tells them what they need to know about how much data they are saving without navigating through the settings of the browser.” said Czarnecki.