Gigabyte’s GSmart just got smarter: Opera Mobile 9.5 to bring Web and widgets to the GSmart S1200

Taipei, Taiwan — Nov 30, 2009

Opera Software today announced that GIGA-BYTE Communications has selected Opera Mobile 9.5 to power the “Hami” widget service on the Windows based Gigabyte GSmart S1200. Hami, developed by Taiwan’s leading operator Chunghwa Telecom (CHT), delivers local, online information directly to the GSmart screen. With Opera Mobile 9.5, GSmart users can not only surf the Web with a full featured browser, but also easily access news, weather, live stock quotes, local search engines, and other online services with just one-click.

“Browsing is one of the main features on the GSmart S1200, and Opera Mobile is widely recognized as the best browser for smartphones,” said Dr. Stanley Jenq, CEO of GIGA-BYTE Communications Inc. “Because of Opera’s leadership in developing widgets for mobile phones, we predict a seamless delivery of CHT’s Hami services, giving users an even easier way to search, socialize and simply enjoy the Web,” continued by Dr. Jenq.

Taiwan-based CHT developed the Hami concept for smartphones so that their subscribers could access local, online information. In the future, Hami will extend its offer to paid services, such as e-book stores. Currently Hami can be accessed by three major smartphone operating systems: iPhone, Android and Windows Mobile.

“Opera Mobile has been shipped on more than 130 million phones globally and has gained its international renown largely through successful partnerships and word-of-mouth. Widgets are a key focus on Opera Mobile, and we share Gigabyte and CHT’s vision of improving the user experience through easy, one-click Web solutions,” said James Wei, President, Asia Pacific, Opera Software. “With this partnership, Opera is extending its reach in Taiwan and bringing the convenience of widgets to more people, in more places.”

About the GSmart S1200

The GSmart S1200 has a 3.1” high-definition, WVGA TFT LCD touchscreen, and comes equipped with the Qualcomm 7200A platform. The phone runs on Windows Mobile 6.5 and features the “Multiple User Interface－Smart Pack”, which includes 6 different user interface themes. To provide easy access to the Web, the GSmart S1200 uses Opera Mobile to offer full support of Hami from CHT.

Availability

New shipments of the GSmart S1200 will come with a preinstalled version of Opera Mobile 9.5. For the existing registered GSmart S1200 users, Opera Mobile 9.5 is now available through a firmware download from www.gigabytecm.com.

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.