Opera upgrades Android mobile browser

Opera Software has launched an upgraded beta version of its mobile Mini 5 browser for Android devices.

The latest iteration of the browser optimizes Internet surfing on almost any handset by compressing data before sending content to the phone.

In addition, Opera Mini 5 offers users a desktop-like browsing experience on mobile platforms, with speed dial, tabbed browsing, a password manager and bookmarks.

“Android users should not have to compromise when it comes to surfing the Web on their phones,” explained Opera spokesperson Dag Olav Norem.

“Opera Mini will give Android users a fast and cost-efficient access to their favorite Web sites and services.”

The first beta version of Opera Mini 5 was launched in September 2009 and is currently available for BlackBerry phones and Windows Mobile devices.

It should also be noted that Opera is developing a mini browser for Apple’s popular iPhone.