Opera Widgets

The market

Today’s connected user wants access to the Web on all their electronic devices: desktop computer, mobile phone, Wi-Fi multimedia player, game console, TV and set-top box. Accessing the right Web content on the desktop computer is straightforward, but this is not always the case for devices with small screens such as mobile phones or for devices with limited user control, such as the set-top box. On some devices, the Web browser simply is not the most efficient method of content discovery. This “content gap” can create user frustration and apathy, which impacts customer satisfaction, retention and dampens the growth of the entire space.

The challenge

Traditionally, development of applications for embedded devices such as mobile phones has been long and cumbersome. This often leads to a technology-driven development process. Fortunately, the Web provides a cost-effective means for you to differentiate your offerings from your competitors while being responsive to market changes and end-user needs. Opera Widgets provide you with a platform for rapid and easy deployment of new revenue-generating services that improve customer retention and loyalty.

Opera Widgets

Opera Widgets are the shortcut to the content and services your customers are asking for. Thanks to Opera's platform- and device-independent core architecture, Opera Widgets will run on a wide range of devices and operating systems. OEMs, operators and end users can create widgets on their PCs and run them on their phones while riding the bus or while at home on their favorite game consoles. Widgets enable easy adaptation of existing Web applications to fit mobile phones, TVs and other Web-connected devices.

Opera Widgets benefits

Deliver more than just the weather report

Take advantage of open APIs from well-known Web 2.0 services provided by companies including Google and Yahoo! to create mash-ups and other useful Web-based tools. Create location-aware applications such as geo-located bus schedules or buddy finders. Widgets also provide new controls for the device itself with native JavaScript extensions. The sky is no longer the limit.

Run first-class applications

Run Web applications as first-class citizens on the device, just as native-code applications. Each widget gets its own application icon, appears in the OS task manager and runs in the background. Plus each widget benefits from full connectivity to the Internet.

Get your services out in the open

Opera Widgets can appear directly on the handset or device idle screen as micro widgets. Plus you can enable dashboard pop-up views. Increase the exposure your services get with Opera Widget, and widen the audience to people who may never open a Web browser on their device. Plus, make life easier for the technically-aware with fewer clicks and less searching.

Accelerate time to market

Develop new services quickly and get them into the market. Quickly adapt proprietary widgets, written for targeted platforms such as Mac OS X and Windows Vista. Since Opera Widgets are platform- and device-independent, there is no need to develop specifically for operating systems or devices. Opera Widgets can be pre-installed, downloaded over the air (OTA) by the user or distributed by operator push. Save time and start generating revenue.

Source the crowd

User-generated widgets are often creative, useful and viral. With developer tools, end users can take the initiative and develop widgets on your behalf. Get enough interest, and you can build a sizable repository of customer-driven widgets. Opera provides full access to http://widgets.opera.com/ plus documentation and guidance to create your own developer community.

Design something beautiful

Design beautiful, rich and animated user interfaces using SVG, CSS and JavaScript. Delight your users with an amazing UI experience, and keep them wanting more.

Lower your development costs

Reduce the need to hire C/C++ or Java programmers, or reallocate them into other projects by leveraging the extensive Web developer community.

Open up to standards

Opera has taken an active role in developing open standards for widgets with the W3C. So while the choices for widgets out there are many, you can rest assured that Opera complies with the latest Web standards and protocols.

Enjoy Opera’s professional support and services

Leverage Opera’s extensive experience in developing widgets and building a widget developer community.

Learn more