I know everyone has the browser they prefer, and it's never the Opera browser. Opera is actually *my* browser of choice; I'm using it to type this right now! I'm a big fan of the configurability of it, the speed dial screen that lets you click right to favorited sites, the button that lets you return to Speed Dial from anywhere, the search bar right on the main screen, the discover screen that summarizes news for the day, thumbnails of bookmarked sites (although no organizing those which is frustrating), almost everything about it is a positive for me.
So I saw this article yesterday talking, somewhat snarkily, about an upcoming version release of the browser, and I'm glad to see it is still moving forward considering it's a very small slice of the browser-market pie. Its greatest strides lately have been as Opera mini; an alternative browser for mobile non-Windows platforms such as iOS and Android where it functions very well.
The above image is my own Opera Speed Dial page (I should probably add that other than the two tiles in the center of the first row, the tiles in the top two rows were default). Clicking a tile takes you right to that site, you can add or remove them as you wish, search right from the page, clicking the little grid next to the URL bar takes you back to this page, there's a lot of usability here. You can even change the background image.
I'll assume most of you use one of the big four; Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari. Anyone use anything else? Dolphin, maybe? Or am I the only one in alternate browser section of the party? "Hey look, it's that guy who uses Opera! Lets get him!"
Hey! Is that guy who uses a Window phone! He uses Opera browser too! Everyone get him! Lol, I have sticked with Internet Explorer as long as I have because it is what I know best and does everything I want. Chrome is right on my desktop as well as Firefox but I only use them if I open something that asks me for one of the two browsers. I use Safari on both my phone and iPad, but this is another Steve Job's product that while is simple enough, it doesn't do everything I want it and need it to do.
ReplyDeleteCesar, there is nothing wrong with a windows phone. I think we lose sight of the main purpose of a cellphone...... It is to make phone calls. Windows phones are one of the best mobile devices in connecting and using with exchange. I will concede that the mobile platforms are becoming flat and it truly does not matter what it is ie: windows, apple, or android. It is all becoming the same. Most people tend to say apple is better and they can never ever tell you why. The reality is the only thing they have done better is marketing. They have people convinced they need to have it without any question. "Just sayin"
DeleteI actually like the way that Opera is set up, given the picture that you posted. I might just have to give it a chance and see how I like it, compared to Internet Explorer or Firefox. It looks as if everything is easy to find and easy to access. For the most part I am usually a Firefox or Internet Explorer user, depending on if I'm on my laptop, which is a Mac, or my desktop, which is an HP. I rarely use Safari, as I think that Firefox is simpler to use and the design is better than that of Safari.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I haven't ever used it, after reading this article I think Opera may be worth taking a look at! I'm all about customization to fit what I like, which is why my front runner is Firefox in the world of browsers. What I enjoy most about Firefox is the add-on capability, and the HUGE variety of different add-ons. My favorite add-on, which I highly recommend especially to college students, is "NoScript Security Suite". In a nutshell, it blocks all Java scripting (which is among the favorite 'chill spots' for a Virus) from running until you give it permission to trust a certain site, or even just a certain script on a site. Of course enabling every java script individually is a tedious task, but it remembers those and eventually the work dies down. I recommend it to college students because when browsing countless websites for research, you're bound to hit something you don't want... and with this you're safe!
ReplyDeleteOf course the add-ons are just a piece of Firefox's awesomeness; pair that with appearance customizations and syncing with your mobile Firefox browser, you come up with a true piece of art! Not that I'm obsessed with it or anything... :)
-Steffen Moore
I have used Opera in the past. I usually now just use Chrome and the obligatory "explorer". I used dolphin on my Ipad, and it is what it is. Just a basic browser. I think we are liking the ability to use alternate options because the big ones are becoming somewhat invasive. I like the neutrality of these alternate browsers. Will we be doing stuff with them. After reading this, I think I will download opera now. Just because you recommended it.
ReplyDeleteI just installed it. I will commit to using it for a few days and give a report of how I like it.
ReplyDeleteI can tell already that there will be lots of software, hardware, etc... discussed on these blogs. All of which,I will have no experience to discuss. I use Internet Explorer for my everyday browsing. The only reason is that this was what I was introduced to back in the day. My employer requires that we use Chrome, however it makes me uncomfortable simply for the reason that it is unfamiliar. So, I have a Chrome shortcut on my home screen for work applications. With this being said, I should learn to become more at ease with things that are new. Like you I may find a browser that better suits my needs, instead of just using what I have been given!
ReplyDeleteInternet Explorer is what I have always used. Simply because it's what's on my computer and that's what I have learned to use. It is my comfort zone. I am not very computer savvy. So, change is difficult for me. However, I must say Opera looks very user friendly. The way the tiles are setup seem to be similar to the iphone. Since the iphone is on the iOS system and I use that and like it, Opera seems a little appealing. I would be open to giving it a try.
ReplyDeleteGreat article Darren. I am looking forward to exploring what Opera has to offer. I am always searching for software/hardware to make my work easier.
ReplyDeleteI have never thought about which browser is best. I wouldn't even know where to start. I currently use Chrome. The only reason I do is because my friend who programmed my computer put it on there and took Internet Explorer off. I have never really liked Internet Explorer when I have used it. It seems to be out of date and slow. I will guess that most people, like me, use the browser that comes with the computer or cause someone said that it is the best one.
ReplyDeleteThis article is great, in my opinion I believe the best browser depends on the user. I use Google Chrome, I use this browser because I am one of those random searchers. I spontaneously think of things to "Google". I Google just random questions that pop in my head, I normally do not "search" the web. Thus I find that chrome delivers quicker responses which is why I choose Chrome. In my experience I have learned that Internet Explorer is the worst browser to use it crashes more often then it actually works. Opera and Firefox I normally do not use not because I do not like them, but simply because they do not grab my attention. It is funny how this article talks about the Dolphin Browser, this browser is the best one used on Smartphones. It has so many perks such as gestures recognition and very accurate on voice recognition. Therefore on my laptop Chrome is the way I go; Smartphone browser would be the Dolphin browser.
ReplyDeleteTo be completely honest, I've never even heard of the Opera browser. However, I definitely want to try it out and install it on my laptop. I am a big fan of Mozilla Firefox, and have been for many years. Clearly, I've never been comfortable expanding my horizons or trying new things. After reading your blog post, I looked up the "Pros and Cons" of Opera and I was pleasantly surprised. Opera is secure, flexible, fast, has a user customizable appearance, and it leaves a small download and small memory footprint. This definitely appeals to me and I am open to trying this new browser out. I am interested to see what kind of widgets it offers.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I have heard/read about this browser. I usually use Firefox or Internet Explorer mainly for homework research. Other than that I always use my phone or iPad since it's what I usually have easy and fast access to. Even though I like how you can edit your favorites I do like the old style where the home page shows all the news.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually really excited to download this web browser. I am really tired of Internet Explorer, Chrome, FireFox, and Safari. On my iPhone I use Safari, at work I use Internet Explorer and Chrome, and at home I use FireFox, I'm definitely ready for a change. This Weekend I intend to download this browser on my MAC and iPhone (after I clear up some storage). I'm so bad, I haven't even updated my software to iOS7. I'm usually the last person to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to technology. I barely got a smart phone two years ago. The browser appears to have very good configuration, which I desperately need.
ReplyDeleteI have used Opera in the past and found that it was a great browser with good security features as well. The only problem that I had with it was that it could not keep up the the explosion of different interfaces on every web page. That is why I made the move to other browsers such as chrome. Unfortunately I hate using Internet Explorer, but it is something that I have to have because this is normally the standard for business and government websites (some of which are not at all compatible with other browsers). I think I will have to check out Opera again in hopes that they have addressed their compatabilty issues.
ReplyDeleteI actually had previously used this browser on my Android device, and I did not like it at all. Maybe it was my service or cell phone but it moved slow and the most of the pages didnt load. I now use Firefox on my android device and I love is this browser. On my home laptop I juse Firefox as well, and I prefer that browser over any other. I used to use Google Chrome that was until my computer caught a virus from using the browser. Took Geek Squad almost 3 hours to fix my computer!! Maybe I will try this browser on my laptop and see how it works thanks for the information!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, you aren't the only one to use the browser. Before I purchased an Iphone, I had an android and opera was the best browser that worked on that phone. I see it has came a long way from where it use to be and has made substantial progress. I may possibly look more into and try it once again for my main browser. Thanks for the heads up.
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ReplyDeleteI actually use Opera on my Samsung Galaxy S 3. I have used Dolphin but did not like the interface as much. As for desktop browsing I use Chrome. Chrome does have a similar thing just like Operas Speed Dial page, by setting favorite or specific websites as tiles. I mainly prefer chrome due to their 'Chrome Instant' feature as well as their app 'PageSeed Insight' that I frequently use. Another reason is due to the fact that everything I do is usually through gmail and Google calendar which chrome browser has an app for. I also use Last Pass which Chrome has an app for which helps me log in more efficiently than having to go back and forth verifying with my phones two-step password.
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