The second Alpha development snapshot of Opera 11.10 codenamed Barracuda offers a glimpse of the evolution of Speed Dial, one of the trademark features of the browser. Opera 11.10 Barracuda Alpha Build 2014 is now available for download to testers, and is intended to introduce what Opera Software calls just the first of additional modifications planned for Speed Dial in the Barracuda release.
Speed Dial simplifies common browsing tasks by easing access to a collection of sites that users tend to visit and revisit by placing a set of links on any new opened tab in Opera.
“Opera's Speed Dial was first introduced in an Opera 9.20 snapshot on Feb 28th 2007. The idea came about as we observed that people kept typing the same addresses for a few of their favourite websites again and again,” revealed
Cezary Kułakowski, from the Opera Desktop team.
“Getting to their top web sites could mean hundreds or thousands of clicks on the keyboard in a single day. The solution we came up with was very simple, but very powerful. And today it's still one of the most loved, and copied, features in Opera.”
According to the Norway-based browser maker, codenamed Barracuda offers an excellent opportunity for Speed Dial to be kicked up a notch.
Kułakowski notes that with the advent of Opera 11.10, users will be able to take advantage of an evolved Speed Dial.
“We are going to make Speed Dial more fluid, dynamic and easier to use! What is included in this snapshot is the new flow layout. Please remember this is just a first peek at the changes we are making. Many very smart and innovative solutions are on the way,” he stated.
Since Opera packs a range of additional excellent features in addition to Speed Dial, the browser maker is also introducing changes designed to make them more discoverable.
“Don't worry; there won't be any pop-up bubbles or constant nagging. Instead we are going to have subtle animations and messages to remind you of features you can use in Opera,” Kułakowski promised.
Opera 11.10 codenamed Barracuda Alpha for Windows is available for download here.
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