MWC 2010: Opera Mini for iPhone

One of the few parts of the iPhone that is generally free from any criticisms is it’s Mobile Safari browser. As far as mobile browsers go, it’s nearly perfect with blazing speed, extremely accurate rendering, and drop dead simple navigation. But you can’t please everyone with a single product. No matter how good a product is, it’s always nice to have a second or third choice. As far as third party iPhone browsers go, there aren’t too many legitimate contenders. Sure, there several 3rd party browsers now available since Apple lifted that restriction earlier last year. But these browsers aren’t as fully featured as Mobile Safari, or are slower, or less thought out in regards to navigation. This year at MWC, a real 2nd choice browser is being unveiled: Opera Mini.

If you’re not familiar with Opera Mini, it is a lightweight and highly nimble mobile browser that gets a big boost in browsing speeds thanks to server-side caching and heavy lifting. By the time the web page reaches your phone, it’s 1/10th or less the size of the original page. But it’s not only fast, it looks good and is easy to navigate as well. Just because everything adds up of Opera Mini, don’t get too excited yet — Apple still has to approve it.

Duplicating the functionality of the browser seems as if it would be a blatant rejection, yet there are other browser apps available. Of course, none are of the caliber or quality as Opera Mini. Even still, not only will it be a disservice to iPhone users if they reject Opera Mini, but also to AT&T and any cellular network admin. Opera Mini and it’s technologies take a big load off of the network and place it on their own servers. AT&T at least should be begging Apple for Opera Mini.

In the end, we really don’t have any say. As far as I’m concerned though, Opera Mini is already the best iPhone browser. Now Apple just has to approve it.

Unwired

Author: Mike Norris

visit my website

Gadget lover, smartphone collector, and beer connoisseur. I've been writing about gadgets for three years now and loving every minute of it. Outside of the digital landscape, I enjoy being active outdoors. I'm always up for a good conversation, so feel free to drop me a line!