Opera 10.60 beta announced

Opera has just released what they tout to be the fastest browser in the world – we’re talking about the Opera 10.60 beta, where it is claimed to be a phenomenal 50% faster compared to its predecessor on selected JavaScript tests. We’ll take that figure with a pinch of salt – after all, selected JavaScript tests could be specially tweaked to pump out a favorable result, but as long as it is noticeably faster, consumers should be pretty happy. Other new additions include the incorporation of web-standard features like Geolocation and WebM support for HTML5 video, a more polished and easy-to-use user interface. You can download Opera 10.60 beta across multiple platforms here. For a more complete list on what is new, head on after the jump.

• Performance: Do not let your browser slow you down. The world’s fastest browser again storms ahead of its predecessor, boasting a 50% faster online experience as compared to the previous version.
• Geolocation: Let your browser find it for you. Geolocation detects your location and maps you in the middle of the action, for example giving you the most accurate search results in your area.
• Video: Opera now comes with high-quality, open video format WebM, built right into the browser, making viewing videos online even easier.
• HTML5 Appcache and Web Workers: Appcache lets you use different applications, such as word processor, image editor, spreadsheets and much more, in your web browser even when offline. Web developers can now also use HTML5 Web Workers for doing heavy calculations without making the browsing slower for the user.
• Search suggestions: Opera 10.60 beta makes search more efficient, introducing search suggestions for selected partners in the Speed Dial and search box. You can test this in the beta with Wikipedia search.
• Custom thumbnails for tabs: The interface in now more intuitive, as the previous thumbnails have been replaced with icons, making you a faster navigator.
• Visual improvements: Speed Dial, tab previews and the Opera menu button have been improved with new graphics.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Computers, Top Stories
Tags: browser, opera