When it comes to innovation, Opera leads on many fronts (which we will be discussing today) but it hasn’t seen the success it deserves. It is a remarkable browser, which is still not too familiar to regular Internet users, but it should be praised.
While Firefox still remains the Internet browser of choice, there are more than a few limitations…a trade-off in surfing speed and weight on PC. Although there are many great add-ons, they could also disappoint heavily when you decide to upgrade to latest browser available out there.
For example, Firefox 4.0 Beta 1 has been released but it simply wouldn’t work for you right now. If you’ve decided to give it a try, we strongly recommend you to backup your current version of Firefox. Possibly, none of your favorite add-ons (yes, you read it right!) will work on the new version until it comes out in final form. Developers will be interested only then, you know.
Now, that’s where Opera scores, upfront. Opera packs in some unique features that are all what normal users (most of surfers, actually) want from their browser. These beauties come by default in opera, meaning you don’t need to install an add-on/extension, you have them from day one. So, every time you upgrade, there is no fear of losing your favorite feature, without which surfing seems miserable to you.
We have compiled up 10 reasons as to why you should choose Opera as your primary browser. Here you go.
Opera Link
Opera link stores all your data online in your Opera account. You have instant access to your private data (which includes bookmarks and saved passwords) wherever you go. It also supports Opera Mini (Opera for mobile), which is one of the smartest and very light browsers for smartphones (be it iPhone or an Android phone). Which means whether on phone or PC, you have all your bookmarks right before you. You don’t need an add-on or depend on the developer to update it to be compatible with the latest and greatest browser. It works seamlessly, and is pretty easy to manage and trust.
Opera Turbo
Got a slow Internet connection? No problem with Opera. It got the ability to compress a web page and load only that one to your screen, thanks to Opera Turbo. The compressed page takes less time to load even with slower connection. It’s a boon for users in countries where broadband is still not so popular or data rates are sky-high.
Opera Unite
Sharing data online is easy and much faster with Opera Unite. You simply gotta try it to be amazed. Share songs, photos, videos or even host a web page directly from your Opera. It does not require uploading on other websites for sharing since content is sent directly to the other end.
Opera Widgets
First of all, you can run widgets even outside of Opera. Each widget involves separate process inside computer, giving you greater reliability and ease of use. There are hundreds of widgets available, which are very friendly with your Desktop.
Visual tabs
As the name suggests, Opera can display the tab visually, as the thumbnail. You only need to pull the drag handle of the tabs bar to increase or decrease the size of the visual tabs. Choose the size that suits you, very easily. It surely takes precious screen real estate but adds convenience on the other side.
Sessions
Opera has one more utility packed in by default. Simply save all your work environment on Opera instantly with just one click to be saved as Session. Restore that session later to resume work. It basically saves your web pages as a session, to be quick and easy.
GeoLocation
Opera supports GeoLocation too. With your permission Opera will give your location to any web app that seek it. It also shows you how many Opera users are around you on the Opera Map.
Speed Dial
Speed Dial lets you access your most favorite pages with one-click. It comes by default and you don’t need an add-on for this. It is highly customizable, meaning you can add your favorite image as background to your Opera’s start-page. Plus, you can add up to 25 websites here, as Visual bookmarks for instant access.
Fast Forward
This button lets you jump to next item in the line, be it a Google Search result or a photo gallery on facebook. Locate it on the upper left corner besides normal back and forward buttons.
WebM
WebM is video extension that is seen by many as the future of online videos. Firefox does not support the WebM currently, but will surely in its totally redesigned Version 4, coming soon. It signifies that with opera, you are go hand in hand with latest of technology out there. Hello HTML 5!
Other than that, Opera has improved security to protect you against malicious web pages. Plus, it supports 42 languages right now and also provide a Personal Blog and Opera Mail with your ‘My Opera’ account. The better part of all this is that you get all these cool features straight from Opera, dependence on developers is removed. Moreover, add-ons are also available on Opera, just like Firefox/Chrome.
Opera 10.6 has been released. Visit Opera.com to download and know more about Opera.
So, are you impressed with Opera? Or what is it that you still don’t find with Opera? Let us know in comments.
