Today Opera Software ASA has made two related announcements
regarding its browser client and Linux.
First, the company announced that SuSE will distribute the Opera
for Linux Web browser in their Linux distribution. The deal is
Opera’s first major Linux distribution agreement.
“Being included in Linux distributions opens new doors for
Opera,” says Dean Kakridas, VP desktop products, Opera Software
ASA. “Distribution from the operating system itself will put our
browser readily available for everyone, exposing thousands of users
to a unique Internet experience.”
Opera is available in SuSE Linux 8.0.
On the heels of that announcement came word from the company of
a public release of Opera 6.02 for Linux.
The new version includes important fixes to the document and
user interface, with special emphasis on the display of Asian
characters, making this an important upgrade for Linux users all
over the world.
Opera 6 opened up Asian markets to Opera, because of its added
ability to display non- Western characters, and the Linux version
has proved to be especially popular in this region.
The release of the Linux version of the product is an important
part of Opera’s self-described Linux Bonanza Week, where the
company is announcing a series of deals and partnerships with key
industry leaders in the Linux segment, on many different devices
(both embedded and desktop).
On Monday, it was announced that Opera had been chosen for
i3Micro’s exciting new set- top box, the Mood box. The same day,
Opera and Redflag announced the first embedded Asian deal for
Opera. Then there are today’s announcments, with Opera Software
hinting that the week is not over yet.
Opera 6.02 for Linux is available for free in a ad-supported
version at www.opera.com. Users can purchase a banner-free version
for $39 US.