Opera: 100 devices and counting

OSLO, NORWAY & BANGALORE, INDIA: In a region where an increasing number of mobile users are getting their first - or only - web experience from mobile handsets, the mobile Web browser has become the most essential app.

Today, Opera Software announced seven new partnerships in India with Micromax, Videocon, Spice, MoMagic Technologies, Wynncom, Lemon Mobiles and iBall, wherein these OEMs will preinstall Opera Mini as an exclusive, third-party mobile browser across their upcoming Android devices.

Opera has also strengthened its position in the South Asia region by signing two more similar OEM partnerships with market leaders Symphony Mobile in Bangladesh and Colors Mobile in Nepal.

Sunil Kamath, VP for South Asia, Opera Software, adds: "India is home to the largest number of Opera Mini users in the world. Partnering with local OEMs in India and neighboring countries is part of our growth strategy to take Opera Mini's user numbers in the region from strength to strength. Since the beginning of this year, more than 100 Android devices with Opera Mini preinstalled on them have been launched in India, Bangladesh and Nepal."

Some of the most recent Android smartphones to be launched with Opera Mini are Micromax's Canvas 4 and Canvas Doodle 2, Spice Coolpad, Lava Iris 506Q and Karbonn A9 Star.

For all local handset manufacturers trying to charm more customers, one of the most important things is to come up with power-packed smartphones that provide the best selection of mobile apps.

One look at Opera Mini, and users are sure to be hooked to their mobile devices. Check out its charms:

Smart: Let's face it, social networking is the most alluring reason users always want to stay online. Opera Mini's Smart Page is a one-stop shop for the latest updates from Facebook and Twitter.

Vivacious: Got a sluggish network speed? Fear not - Opera Mini swiftly compresses each and every webpage and provides a superfast browsing experience.

Attractive: Dress up Opera Mini with favorite Speed Dial entries and multi-task with thumbnail previews of each open webpage using visual tabs.

Reliable: Users can always come back to Opera Mini and find that the webpages they left open are still waiting for them. Webpages can be saved and viewed later when users go off the grid or get stuck without a network.

Respectful: Opera Mini offers to remember passwords and respects users' privacy. It makes web browsing easy, by allowing users to log on to favorite websites with a single click.

Earlier this year, Opera also announced partnerships with seven other Indian mobile OEMs, including Celkon, Karbonn, Lava, Intex, Fly, Zen and HCL. Overall, Opera is working with 17 handset manufacturers in the region who help expand Opera Mini's reach to millions of Android users.

Opera Mini is also available as a free download from m.opera.com or users can get download instructions by giving a missed call on toll-free number 022-39386828.