14 DAY TRIAL // Norwegian software company Opera Software announced on Monday that its Opera Mobile 9.5 solution has been selected by GIGA-BYTE Communications to power the “Hami” widget service available on the company's Gigabyte GSmart S1200 Windows phone. Hami, which comes from the Taiwanese operator Chunghwa Telecom (CHT), provides local, online information on the phone's screen, and Opera Mobile 9.5 will also enable users to browse the Internet, while easily accessing news, weather, live stock quotes, and other services more.
“Browsing is one of the main features on the GSmart S1200, and Opera Mobile is widely recognized as the best browser for smartphones,” said Dr. Stanley Jenq, CEO of GIGA-BYTE Communications Inc. “Because of Opera’s leadership in developing widgets for mobile phones, we predict a seamless delivery of CHT’s Hami services, giving users an even easier way to search, socialize and simply enjoy the Web,” continued by Dr. Jenq.
The Taiwan-based carrier Chunghwa Telecom has built the Hami concept for smartphones with the purpose of offering users the possibility to easily access local, online information. Moreover, the company intends to extend the reach of Hami to offer paid services, including e-book stores. For the time being, the company stated, the Hami widget is available on three major smartphone platforms, including the iPhone, Android, and Windows Mobile.
“Opera Mobile has been shipped on more than 130 million phones globally and has gained its international renown largely through successful partnerships and word-of-mouth. Widgets are a key focus on Opera Mobile, and we share Gigabyte and CHT’s vision of improving the user experience through easy, one-click Web solutions,” said James Wei, president, Asia Pacific, Opera Software. “With this partnership, Opera is extending its reach in Taiwan and bringing the convenience of widgets to more people, in more places.” About the GSmart S1200
The GSmart S1200 handset comes to the market with a 3.1-inch WVGA TFT LCD touchscreen, and is powered by the Qualcomm 7200A platform. The handset sports Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system, and offers users the possibility to enjoy a number of 6 different user interface themes through the “Multiple User Interface－Smart Pack” it includes.