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Opera is landing in Microsoft’s backyard

5 Comments
 Published June 20th, 2006 11:55 AM EDT By Daniel Goldman

Opera is having its official launch party for the release of Opera 9 in Seattle, WA – just a short drive from Microsoft Headquarters.

At the event Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner will pay homage to his transatlantic swim. It was a little over a year ago when Opera’s CEO took upon himself the one million download challenge of Opera 8 and his failed attempt to swim to the USA from Norway.

The event will also mark the first public appearance of Opera and BitTorrent.

I’ll be at the event, which is scheduled for 10:30 PST (just a few hours from now). I hope to blog live from the event, as well as post photos. Plans to set up a live webcast of the event weren’t successful.

Last night, I went out to eat with the Opera folks. Attending were Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner, Dean Kakridas — Opera VP for Market Development, Johan Borg – Opera’s desktop team manager, Michelle Valdivia — Marketing Communications Manager, Brian “brianj” Johnson – Opera Community Manager, Tim Altman – Opera Core QA, Ken (I forgot his last name) – the arranger of today’s event, and Katrina Knight – Head of Opera’s Ambassador’s Program.

I had a wonderful time with them last night. From what they said, it seems that Opera is determined as ever to increase the desktop market share.

Stay tuned to Opera Watch for my reports and photos later on today live from the event.

Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner
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5 Comments

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  1. 1 David Jun 20th, 2006 at 1:35 pm
    using Opera Opera 9.00 on Windows Windows 2000

    Nice..i’m enjoying the new version so far. Would have been nice to meet everyone as I’m in the Seattle area. *sigh*

  2. 2 Torstein Larsson Jun 20th, 2006 at 6:11 pm
    using Opera Opera 9.00 on Linux Linux

    This is really a fine breed of the Opera browser. Would love to be in Seattle for the occasion, but that is somewhat far away from my (and Operas) native Norway.

    Per site preferences is a killer.

    BTW – I translated the browser and help files into Norwegian. :)

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Opera Watch, an Opera browser blog, is run by Daniel Goldman, who used to work for Opera Software as a Technical Evangelist.

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About Opera


Q: What is Opera?
A: Opera is one of the most powerful Web browsers around. A Web browser is the program that allows you to view Web pages. Opera is well known for innovation for PC browsers and bringing the full web to mobile phones and devices.

Q: Is Opera free?
A: Absolutely free.

Q: Why should I download a browser? Doesn't my computer already come with one for free?
A: It's about getting more out of the time you spend on the internet. Opera is designed to be much faster than these browsers and gives you powerful features that the default browser lacks. Default browsers like Internet Explorer are also more likely to be subjected to dangerous software such as viruses and spyware.

Q: Will Opera keep me safe from fraudulent websites and malicious hackers?
A: According to Secunia, a respected firm that tracks security in browsers, Opera has the best reputation and track record when it comes to browser security. Keeping our users safe from security vulnerabilities, fraudulent websites, and malicious hackers is a top priority for Opera. Opera is maintained by hundreds of engineers, developers and security experts who are constantly looking to make the browser even safer.

Q: Doesn't Opera copy all of their features from other browsers?
A: Absolutely not. In fact, many of the features that are popular in other browsers today were invented and pioneered by Opera a long time ago. Opera invented the precursor to tabs (in 1994), Page Zoom (1994), was the first browser to block pop-up ads (2000), first to add a Search field in the browser toolbar (2000), Sessions (1996), deleting private data (2000), Mouse Gestures (2000), User JavaScript (2005), BitTorrent support (2005), Widgets (2006), Speed Dial (2007), and much more.

Q: Does Opera support extensions, such as those found in Firefox?
A: Much of the functionality provided through Firefox extensions is already built directly into Opera, so you don't have to download additional extensions in Opera. In addition, Opera is highly customizable and supports all standard plug-ins.

Q: Can I also use Opera on my mobile phone?
A: Yes. And your Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS or almost any connected device and mobile phones. Opera Mobile oftens comes preinstalled from the manufacturers, but if it doesn't you can install Opera Mini which runs on nearly all phones.

Q: This all sounds great, so how do I download Opera?
A: -- Opera on your computer
-- Opera Mini on your phone
-- Opera Mobile on your phone
-- or learn more about Opera at www.opera.com