Forbes on Must-Have Mobile Software, but no Opera Mini/Mobile
Published May 25th, 2007 5:26 PM EDT By Daniel Goldman
Forbes magazine is running a story titled “Must-Have Mobile Software.” What struck me about the article is that the author makes no mention Opera Mini (or Opera Mobile). Why?
As Haavard pointed out “It doesn’t sound like she (the author) has tried Opera Mini, which is surprising for a list of “Must-Have Mobile Software”, seeing as Opera Mini has frequently been mentioned as a must-have by other publications.”
What do you think? Is it too much to be asking for the article to mention Opera Mini?
If you enjoyed this post, then make sure you subscribe to my RSS Feed.
using
its asking a lot from narrow-minded retards.. dont expect opera to be _everywhere_, the 1% market share is 1% for a reason.
using
@csulok: Remember that 1% is for the desktop Opera.
I don’t know the number on mobile though.
using
Why should they be required? I honestly dont see opera mini as a must have. I use opera on the desktop, from time to time since I cant truely do what I want to with my browser, but I dont think it is a must have.
using
Opera Mini is one of the most useful mobile applications. If Forbes cannot be bothered to at least mention it, then one has to wonder how much money they received to ‘mention’ the mobile applications they did include in the article…
using
I was buying a new phone a few days ago, the man selling it to me had never heard of Opera Mini; its growth has been phenomenal, but they’ll always still be more people to tell.
using
May be someome should drop her a polite email at rrosmarin@forbes.net pointing out the technology behing opera mini, its features, its popularity and its achievements.
using
I would say most people don’t know about opera mini - especially how it’s different from using a normal phone browser. I definitely think you should drop her a line. On a side note: Google SMS is pretty cool (especially if your phone doesn’t have net) except it’s really only for the US.
using
I also noticed that Opera Mini is not included in the Webware 100 ‘Mobile’ category. I have a Windows Mobile 5 device, and I installed Opera Mini instead of Opera Mobile, because of the speed. Opera Mobile renders fast and has more features, but the network speed is not good (GPRS). Because Opera Mini uses TCP/IP, and processes and compresses everything on the server, the network speed is less important, and web pages are delivered much faster. Even with images turned on.
using
Thanks and once again thanks for this informative post…I use opera on the desktop…But in the same way Maxthon…
using
Because the rest of the industry knows about Opera Mini and everyone agrees that it is a must have.
using
I generally find Forbes too conservative a publication for me. Also, the writing and reporting just isn’t very good… as we can see from its omission of Opera Mini.
Pallab has the best advice; drop the writer, rrosmarin@forbes.net, a *polite* note. We want to win people over, not insult them.
using
@Shamurai: The mobile market is different than the desktop. You don’t have FF Mobile or IE mobile, Opera Mini is the best option for mobile apps.
using
Much agreed Opera is a must have, as it is reccomended by many who know the mobile market, as it is the only alternative browsers on Java based hansets and it is the highest rated bowser on Windows Mobile.
Simple WAP browsers are a thing of the past.
I myself have become very dependant on Opera Mobile, I’m at a “Gloria Jean’s” coffee shop using it now.
using
Come on… Why does everybody have to mention Opera? Just because you like it? Or because lots of other people like it? Isn’t one entitled to an own opinion anymore? Does everybody have to like the same music as you do as well?
using
i just want to check my browser and my os which displayed in the comment.
using
This site seems to only update about only Opera Mini nowadays. Not that it’s a bad thing, but I only use the desktop Opera and thus it’s the only Opera program I’d care about. Is there another page that focuses purely on desktop Opera?
And by the way, yes I think it is asking too much. For one thing, not many people know about Opera mobile. Secondly, it’s just the writer’s opinion as Assume Rhino has pointed out.
using
Agree with Assume Rhino 100%
using
Assume Rhino, it’s not a matter of like or don’t like. It’s the simple fact that Opera is more or less the only alternative for a mobile browser. Opera Mini being java based probably means IT IS the only browser that works on all mobile phones and other mobile devices.
A magazine like Forbes should now what’s happening. Opera Mini is probably the most talk about software for mobile phones to day, so it should hit the list. Even if you don’t like it…
using
If you carry a mobile phone in your pocket with GPR/3G access, and no OPERA MINI - you have a flawed product - period
using
From the article:
“Mobile browsers are getting better, but can be a pain, especially if you aren’t paying for an ultra speedy cellular data connection. Most of the mobile applications we like ditch the browser in favor of text messages, or consist of small pieces of software that make their way to your phone via a one-time download.”
using
Yea, Gizmo, the writer seems to be out of the loop regarding mobile browsing. Maybe they should hire someone more competent to write about mobile phones instead.
Because it’s the only real mobile browser that’s widely available and that handles the full web. It even works on phones that are several years old.
using
@csulok, Opera Mini has nothing to do with the 1% marketshare of the desktop browser. It has been proven to be popular, and one of the best choices for accessing the web on mobile phones. The article should have at least made a short mention of it. As for the marketshare of Opera Mini, it must be higher than 1% of the mobile market; according to HitsLink, Opera Mini had 0.13% of the total marketshare (including desktop) for the month of April.
@Shamurai, hmm… you don’t see Opera Mini as a must have? I suggest you browse the web with your phone’s default browser for a couple weeks, and then switch back to Opera Mini. You’ll definitely see the difference.
@BtEO, you’re absolutely right. You’d think most people in the mobile industry would know about Opera Mini. We all have a lot of promoting to do.
@Sandy, yes, I’ve blogged a lot about Opera Mini in the recent days. And I’m afraid, with the upcoming release of the new Opera Mini beta, that I’ll be posting more about Opera Mini.
When the new desktop browser will make its way out of development, I’m sure I’ll be posting a lot about desktop.
using
While doing so, you might also want to CC the Forbes Editors: readers@forbes.com
using
Opera Mini shud hav been on d list. without opera mini i wud not b able 2 view or comment on tis site frm my cellphone.
using
Agree With Martin 100%
using
Nokia’s S60 Web browser is the best, bozos!