Opera announces the beta browser for Pocket PC

"Better late than never" seems to work just fine for Opera, who only recently announced the beta version of its first browser designed for Windows Mobile Pocket PC. The Opera Mobile 8.5 for Pocket PC was supposed to be released a few months ago, but developers got distracted from this project and concentrated more on other Opera Software products.

Even if a little late than planned, it is a great move from the company to target the growing audience, which uses small screen devices powered by Microsoft technology. The company uses the same core in this version as it uses in its desktop-based application. This is to ensure that web pages look the same on the Opera browser on any supported platform. The browser is compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 and Windows Mobile 5.0.

The beta version is available for download from the company's website as a 45-day trial to any Windows Mobile 2003 or Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC user. The final version should be released sometime next month, said Tod Odland, a spokesman for Opera Software.