Opera Launches New Rendition Version 8.0 Beta Release Now Available Tim Gray
Opera Software reports the latest version of its browser has so many new bells and whistles that developers have decided to skip the traditional version release and opt for a full-scale launch.
"We were preparing for the 7.60 release, but as work progressed and we kept adding improvements and functionality, it became very evident that we now have a browser that is so powerful, secure, and easy to use that it exceeds the next logical version number and warrants a major release," Jon S. von Tetzchner, Opera CEO, said in a statement.
The new version includes an updated and more prominent RSS tool that appears in the address bar on sites that offer feeds. New rendering technology designed to adapt Web page content to fit the width of a window has also been introduced, allowing users to have multiple windows open with no horizontal scrolling.
Opera also includes voice technology that allows users to browse the Web using spoken commands, such as "Opera next link," "Opera back," or "Opera speak." The speak command will make Opera read Web page content and e-mail messages aloud, adding usability as either a screen reader or advanced dictionary.
Other functions in Opera include integrated search, tabbed browsing with saved sessions, and a built-in e-mail client. And according to the company, Opera is tightly coded to optimize speed and security while browsing the Web.
"A browser is much more than what meets the eye," said Christen Krogh, vice president of engineering at Opera, in a statement. "To maximize speed, security, and page handling, Opera's core and supporting code has undergone dramatic improvements based on the strict efficiency requirements brought in from the mobile phone market. In addition, the new Opera browser comes with an update check function to ensure that you will always have the latest version for maximum protection and performance."
A beta release of the new v8.0 edition is now available, and the Norwegian-based browser maker says those who have licensed Opera 7 will receive free upgrades when the new version is officially released.
