While Internet Explorer and Firefox are currently dominating the browser market, with Apple leveraging the Mac OS X install base in order for Safari to come out at a distant third, Opera is without a doubt the undisputed underdog of the four. Credited with a share of just 0.69% of the market by Net Applications, the Opera browser is about to get a healthy jolt with the release of version 9.5. Opera 9.5 Final was made available for download just ahead of the launch of Firefox 3.0 expected in mid-June and a couple of months in advance of Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1.

Opera 9.0 has been in use for approximately two years now, launched in 2006 and managed to double its audience even competing against Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 2.0. Still, usage remains low, a situation which has prompted the Norway-based browser maker to file a complaint against Microsoft for using the Windows monopoly in order to saturate the market with IE and for forcing the world wide web to adhere to the standards supported by Internet Explorer instead of the evolution delivered by Opera.

And indeed Opera 9.5 proves that its makers are committed to a strong support for modern web standards. The latest version of the browser passes the Acid2 Test without any issues, and scores 83 out of 100 on the Acid 3 Test, significantly more than Firefox 3.0 RC3 with a score of 71 and shaming Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 which fails to pass 20. As of June 11, the final version of code-named Kestrel is available to the general public.

"I invite each of you to try Opera 9.5, arriving very soon," revealed Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO and Co-Founder, Opera Software on June 10. "We've worked exceptionally hard during the past two years to make something we're very proud to present to you. We've listened to your feedback, learned from your experiences using our browser, and channeled your input to make our best browser yet."

Tetzchner indicated that Opera 9.5 is the product of a development process which included no compromise. As such, he applauded the final version of the browser as the fastest, most secure and most powerful Opera version available.

"Opera 9.5 has a brand-new look that feels inspired by high-end audio equipment and Scandinavian design. Our refined address bar allows you to find *any* word on *any* Web page you have visited before. Opera Link allows you to bring your favorite browser with you, wherever you go. You can sync your bookmarks, Speed Dial, and Notes, and work seamlessly with Opera Mini, our award-winning browser for your mobile phone. We protect you against two different types of malware that may try to infect your computer," Tetzchner added.

Opera 9.5 Final for Windows is available for download here.
Opera 9.5 Final for Linux is here.
Opera 9.5 Final for Mac OS X is here.