Blog while you jog: People run to new My Opera Community

Oslo, Norway - October 19, 2005

Opera Software today invites everyone on the Web to experience the new My Opera Community. The new site extends the reach of today's social Web by allowing members to blog and upload photos directly from their mobile phones. As the world leader in mobile browsing technologies, Opera designed the site to give the same user experience when viewed on large or small screens.

Since its silent introduction one month ago, an average of 1000 new members have joined each day. Most have joined on word-of-mouth alone. The My Opera Community has a complete offering of multiple services in one place - free of charge. Everyone receives 300 MB of space, and can use it to create a personal blog, photo albums, a private group and much more. Inspiration strikes at the gym? Simply send an MMS and update your blog and photo album while pumping iron.

"I've been a blogger since it was still called a Weblog. The new My Opera is a big step up because of its easy to use social networking tools," said Dan Yurman, an Opera community member from Idaho Falls, ID. "On the Internet I have a choice of a lot of blogging sites. Since I'm already an Opera user, it makes sense to go with the best."

The My Opera Community is easy for anyone to use. Just a sample of the advanced features:

Photo Album - Keep your photos private, share with your friends or the entire world
Blogs - Post to your blog with an email, from your mobile phone or directly from your PC
Create a group - Form your own group, create your own private forums and share your photos and blogs with each other
Newsfeeds - Display dynamic news feeds to keep up-to-date on your friends' blogs or get the latest news
Publish from your mobile phone - Send an MMS and instantly post to your blog or add an image to your photo album
300 MB of free space - There's no catch, it's free to everyone
Customize your Opera browser - Download skins, set-ups and language files
Forums - Join a thriving and lively community on the forums
And much more - The My Opera Community puts you in control

To ensure members have the best possible experience with the new My Opera Community, Opera's new community manager oversees the daily operation of the site, adds new features and ensures the My Opera Community exceeds expectations. His name is Brian Johnson.

"This is probably the coolest job I've ever had," said Johnson. "I can't believe they pay me for it. I work hard to make the Community a place members enjoy and I'm also the voice of the Community inside Opera. I take those two responsibilities seriously."

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. 250 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.