Opera has entered into a licensing agreement with Microsoft in order to make its browsers default on all low end phones from the company. The deal specifically applies to mobile phones based on the Series 30+, Series 40 and Asha software platforms.
“This is a great opportunity to spread the benefits of Opera Mini to millions more consumers in our core markets. There are still massive numbers of people who have not moved to smartphones, but Opera Mini can provide them with an amazing browsing experience right now,”
said Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software in an official release.
Under the agreement Opera Mini browser will be pre-installed on these aforementioned phones. Meanwhile, people who already have these phones will be urged to upgrade to the latest Opera Mini browser from the existing Xpress browser. Opera Mini currently has around 250 million users, over 100 million of these on Android smartphone.
“We continue to sell and support classic first and feature phones as well as the Asha range, which have performed well with millions of people who want new mobile experiences at lower price points. The agreement with Opera will enable us to provide continuity of service as we transition from Xpress Browser to Opera Mini.”
said Rich Bernardo, head of legacy business, Phones, Microsoft.
Microsoft completed the Nokia acquisition in April this year under which it tool over the devices and sales business of Nokia.