Google is the default search option in the Opera web browser for PCs, and the two firms have extended their agreement to place Google on Opera browsers made for smaller devices.
For once, a Google-Opera story has emerged that doesn’t involve acquisition rumors or company denials of an imminent takeover. Instead, Reuters reported on a new deal between the two that makes Google a default search option on two other Opera browsers, Mobile and Mini.
Those two browsers work on mobile handsets. Opera said on its site the Mini works on virtually any mobile phone that has WAP capabilities. The Mini is freely available from Opera.
The Mobile version offers web browsing from mobile devices, making the experience similar to using a PC-based browser. Opera credited a technology it developed called Small-Screen Rendering as the reason for that similarity. As an add-on to a mobile device, Opera charges $29.
A one-year agreement between Opera and Google sees the Google search engine serve as the search option of choice on the two mobile options. That means users will see Google occupy a prominent place on their Opera-equipped mobile phones.
Opera had been available to PC users on multiple platforms as an ad-supported download or a for-pay ad-free version. A deal with Google similar to the one Google made with Firefox, where Google pays for placement as the default search option, allowed Opera to offer its ad-free browser at no cost to users.
Despite having a minimal market share among PC browsers, Opera’s strength has been on the mobile platform. World handset leader Nokia and other mobile phone makers license Opera for inclusion on their devices.
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David Utter is a staff writer for murdok covering technology and business.
