Opera now gives a new option for users who want an optimized data compression experience under various network conditions.
Users can now switch between the new "High" compression mode and the existing "Extreme" compression mode, and enjoy all the other new features found in the latest Opera Mini.
The new High compression mode brought on by the update has been particularly optimized for 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi networks, while assuring the user that the webpage display will not be affected. Under this mode, users can save on bandwidth usage while still being able to maintain image sizes and tolerance for video playback.
"With the rise of better smartphones and better network conditions, our users now want the option to have a less aggressive data compression mode so they can experience the full Internet when network conditions allow for it," said Christian Uribe, product manager of Opera Mini.
High compression promises users that the webpages will not be affected. The Extreme compression mode, on the other hand, can affect the page layout since it compresses the pages extensively. Extreme compression works well for those who experience slow network conditions or those who want to extend the usage of their data plans.
The difference between the two can be seen in sites such as Facebook where users under the High compression mode view the site as having more dynamic content and video playback. Under the Extreme compression mode, however, users notice that the site's interface becomes simpler, images are scaled down, and content is less dynamic, although loading is faster.
The new Opera Mini for Android also brings a slew of other interesting features that include a new and enhanced UI that should come in handy for bookmarks and saved pages, improved handling of bigger downloads under the High compression mode, a new private browsing mode, enhanced tab switch, more ways to customize the browser layout, an interface that can be scaled and can display higher resolution, enhanced Discover news feed, and a data counter that tracks data savings for users who want to save on data costs.
Opera hopes that, with the new update, it is closer to reaching its goal of gaining 275 million Android users by the end of 2017. The company is looking at places such as India and Indonesia for growth. Only half of the mobile population of India has access to 3G networks, while over half of the smartphone users of Indonesia continue to experience network issues every day.
