The Web adapted to every screen size: Opera Solves the Problem of Rendering Web Content on Medium-Sized Screens

Oslo, Norway - Jan. 20, 2004

After having revolutionized how people interact with their data-enabled phones with the introduction of Small-Screen Rendering (SSR) technology in 2002, Opera Software today unveiled Medium-Screen Rendering (MSR). While SSR does a great job in generating a user-friendly version of Web pages for today's smartphone-sized screens, it is not a perfect solution for larger screens. Until now, devices ranging from PDAs used in "landscape mode" to low-resolution TV screens have not had a satisfactory way of rendering Web pages. MSR addresses all these mid- to top-tier devices, delicately squeezing content to fit the screen, without having to resort to horizontal scrolling or zooming. Opera's breakthrough has been met with enthusiasm from the industry, and MSR has already been delivered to several vendors. Products that include MSR will be announced in the near future.

Most Web pages are designed with personal computers (PCs) in mind. Typically, the screen width on a PC is assumed to have a resolution of at least 800 pixels. Smaller devices with smaller resolutions or screen sizes therefore cannot render most Web pages as designed without introducing horizontal scrolling. Like SSR, MSR readjusts Web pages to fit on other screen sizes without introducing horizontal scrolling. MSR identifies the Web page's content and adapts these different elements individually to fit on medium-sized screens. Original fonts, colors, design and style are left virtually untouched.

"It's part of Opera's vision to give users access to their favourite Web sites no matter what device they are using. SSR marked the beginning of helping the Web from its desktop confinement, and MSR now takes the Web even further towards full interoperability," says Jon S.von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera software ASA. "From our experience with SSR we also know that both users and the industry want full Web access on their devices. That's a big part of the reason why you can now find Opera on handsets from Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Kyocera, Sharp, Sendo, and BenQ. Getting access to compelling Web content enhances the user experience, drives pick-up of hardware, as well as increases operators' data revenues per user."

MSR Screenshots

Desktop View (800x600 px)

MSR view (300x250 px)

MSR in PDA landscape mode view

Download high resolution images:
Desktop view (1420x1156) | MSR view (1047x873) | MSR in PDA Landscape mode view (3222x1928)

About Opera Software ASA

The worldwide World Wide Web — any device, any platform, any bandwidth, absolutely anywhere in the world. Opera Software was founded in 1994, based on the idea that access to the Web should be a universal right. 220 million people (and counting) use the Opera web browsers for computers, mobile phones, TVs and other connected devices. Opera also delivers tools, distribution, engagement, monetization and market insights to developers, publishers and brands around the world. We are passionate about breaking down barriers, so everyone can share in the power of the Internet. Our vision of one Web for all remains at the heart of what we do, because we believe that participation changes everything. Opera Software ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.