Widgets Everywhere: Opera for Devices announces support for Widgets

Oslo, Norway – May 30, 2006

Opera Software today announced that the Opera SDK for Devices will include Web-based Widgets in its next version, Opera 9 for Devices. Widgets can now be delivered to devices such as TVs, set-top boxes, portable media players or even game consoles. Opera's Widgets for devices are expected to be available to device manufacturers and operators in the third quarter of 2006.

Widgets are small programs that are created using Web standards including AJAX, HTML, JavaScript, XML, CSS, DOM, RSS, SVG and Canvas, and appear as stand alone applications that can be viewed in partial or full screen mode. Able to present both online and offline content, Widgets can power the user interfaces for unique Web applications or Web services from content providers directly to connected devices, without having to write native code such as C++.

"Widgets open the door for advanced Web-based dynamic content, services and promotions on a wide range of devices," says Scott Hedrick, Executive Vice President for Devices, Opera Software. "Through these Web-based applications end users can view content and services incorporating the latest weather, sports, news headlines, TV guide information or casual gaming. Desktops users have already discovered the wonders of Widgets, now it's time to bring them beyond the PC."

Widgets were first introduced by Opera in the Opera 9 beta for Desktop on April 20, 2006. This version is available for download at http://www.opera.com/download/. Opera 9 brings powerful new features to enhance the Web browsing experience and empower Web 2.0 developers. The Opera 9 SDK for Devices with Widgets will be available in late 2006.

To request the Opera for Devices commercial evaluation kit, visit http://www.opera.com/products/devices/.

About Opera for Devices

Opera provides an optimized implementation of Internet technologies for handheld devices, digital TV and other devices, with innovative and powerful features that seamlessly adapt the Internet experience to suit varying screen sizes and input devices. In addition to being a full Internet browser, Opera is a high performance execution environment for Web applications and dynamic user interfaces based on interoperable open Web technologies such as AJAX.

http://www.opera.com/products/devices/

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. ‘Opera’, ‘Opera Software’, ‘Opera Mini’ and the ‘O’ logo are trademarks of Opera Software ASA. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.