Opera Solutions: Opera Widgets

Opera Widgets provide shortcuts to all kinds of content and services your customers want. 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.

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 Widgets

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.

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