Google will supply the default search function for Opera Software’s mobile browsers, the company said Thursday. Opera Software supplies two separate browsers for mobile and wireless devices. <\/p>\n
In a statement, Opera said: “Google will be the default search partner for the mobile browsers: Opera Mobile and Opera Mini.” <\/strong><\/p>\n Opera Software’s Opera Mini browser, a mobile browser is due for formal unveiling next month. <\/p>\n “It’s of great importance to have a search partner on board before the announcement<\/strong>,” said Christian Jebsen, Opera’s COO, said in a telephone interview Thursday. “We’ve been exploring different ways to make the product user-friendly. If you press the 9 (button), it takes you right to Google for searching.” <\/p>\n Jebsen said users of Opera Mini can still use the more established way of accessing a search engine, simply by calling up book-marked search engines. He noted that Opera is comfortable with Google as a partner because it has had a good working relationship with the search colossus for several years. <\/p>\n While Opera has not been charging users for its Mini browser, Jebsen said the firm has been exploring revenue-generating options and the arrangement with Google should eventually bear fruit in that regard. <\/p>\n Opera Software supplies two major browsers for mobile and wireless devices. Earlier this month, Opera quietly released a preview of its Opera Mini. Early user reaction has generally been complementary. Complete details will be reported at next month’s unveiling of Opera Mini. Opera has been battling rumors <\/strong>of an acquisition by Google. Earlier this week, Opera put down more rumors of an acquisition by Microsoft by saying it was not for sale. <\/p>\n
\n
\nThe Mini version operates on WAP-equipped cell phones, while the more robust Opera Mobile version is generally offered as an add-on to mobile and wireless devices for a small user fee. <\/strong><\/p>\n