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The Opera browser embedded in kiosk devices

Published December 6th, 2007 1:15 PM EST By Daniel Goldman

mx870.jpgLast month we announced a deal with a company called Verifone. Verifone makes kiosk systems (like the one pictured on the right) for retail banking, ticketing, etc. They’ll embed the Opera browser into some of their kiosks.

Putting a Web browser on these kiosks means the application interface could be written as a simple web application with the familiar HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and even canvas and SVG.

With the abundance of web development tools, it’s much easier, cheaper, and quicker to develop the user interface in the form of a webpage, rather than in some other proprietary computer language. In addition, making updates to the interface is as simple as loading the new webpage.

In addition, devices with an embedded Opera browser also have the capability of running Opera Widgets. This means, you could conceivably create the entire application as an Opera Widget. (I’m not sure, though, whether Verifone plans to use Opera Widgets on their kiosks)

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2 Comments

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  1. 1 Dasch Dec 6th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
    using Opera Opera 9.24 on Mac OS Mac OS X

    Congrats!
    I hope Opera makes more deals like this one, so they can hire more developers. :)

  2. 2 Steve Barker Dec 6th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
    using Opera Opera 9.24 on Linux Linux

    Comment spot on Dasch.

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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