Opera Max is a data-compressing proxy for Android which lets users save a good chunk of mobile data by compressing videos, text and images as they surf online or use data-intensive applications like Instagram. Previously it was unable to compress HTTPS videos which meant Opera Max offered no savings when streaming YouTube or Netflix on mobile data but that changes today, it’s now capable of compressing Netflix and YouTube videos as well.
The new version of Opera Max saves data on videos without any major loss in quality, it will reduce buffering so users don’t have to worry about their videos being rudely interrupted by the need to buffer.
Opera says that the amount of savings that users see is going to depend on the type of mobile or wireless network that they’re on as well as the mobile device that they’re using. It says that work is on going to add support for additional HTTPS video services in the coming months.
How does Opera Max save data? It basically sends the traffic through its network and compresses the data before it’s sent to the user’s device. That does mean that all of the data flows through Opera’s services but it is very strict on privacy, however if that’s an issue for some users then they should steer clear of Opera Max.