WebProNews

There wasn't going to be a version for Windows Mobile 2003, but users requested it from the Norwegian browser company.

Opera 8, the latest browser from Opera Software, will be available on Windows Mobile 2003 smartphones after all. The company hadn't intended to make one for the platform, according to CEO Jon S. von Tetzchner, "but users kept asking for it because they were disappointed with the far from satisfactory performance of the browser that came shipped with their devices."

One handset platform where Opera's browser will be found for at least the next three years will be Motorola. An expansion of their existing agreement, the new contract will see Opera playing on future Motorola mobile devices.

Opera also found more business in the Far East. Agreements with Japan technology giant Toshiba and with Chinese telecom manufacturer ZTE will place Opera browsers on some of the newest phones available in those countries.

"Japan is the most technologically advanced market in the world, and the fact that the Opera browser is securing such a strong position in their market is a solid testament to its quality," Mr. von Tetzchner said.

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.