Now showing on TV: Your tablet, mobile phone and more

View the content from your tablet or camera right on your TV screen. Web browser company Opera Software and AwoX, a leading international supplier of Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) solutions, announced that AwoX DLNA technology, mediaCTRL SDK, is now integrated into the Opera Devices SDK. This solution will enable TV and set-top-box manufacturers to entertain users with easy access to high quality content across different devices.

What is the DLNA, and what does it mean for consumers? The Digital Living Network Alliance is a group of manufacturers who work on standards and solutions for sharing digital content on different consumer devices. For consumers, this means more content on more devices, easier. For instance, they can easily send files from their different networked devices, such as cameras or mobile phones, right to their TVs.

The number of connected devices in homes is growing and users are looking for an easier way to share media among them. With the integration of the AwoX DLNA solution into the Opera Devices SDK, manufacturers can easily explore home networks to discover DLNA-enabled devices. This integration also gives manufacturers an option to use a remote user interface to give users a unified user interface across networked devices.

The Opera Devices SDK allows manufacturers to develop custom browsers based on Opera’s powerful rendering engine. Web browsers, application stores, electronic program guides and other connected TV solutions based on the Opera Devices SDK have been deployed on a wide range of products such as TVs, games consoles, media players and Internet tablets.

The Awox mediaCTRL Software Development Kit provides manufacturers with a complete solution to integrate the next generation of multimedia features in their products. It provides interoperability with thousands of DLNA-certified home devices. Awox mediaCTRL supports the leading platforms and chipsets for all advanced DLNA use and has been deployed in over 40 million devices.

Opera and AwoX are exhibiting at CES 2012 in Las Vegas, January 10-13 in the LVCC. Opera’s meeting room is located in South Hall S2, Lower Level, Number MP26044. AwoX’s booth is located in South Hall 3, Higher Level, Stand Number 31468.

About AwoX

AwoX designs and develops cutting-edge products and technology for playing, sharing and controlling network media. AwoX specializes in implementing industry-reference technologies for network media streaming, video on demand, and media playback. Based on this technology, AwoX manufactures electronic modules for consumer electronics, and final products for leading service providers. AwoX connected devices enable operators to serve premium audio and video services in the home. AwoX is a board member of the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) and of the Internet Media Device Alliance (IMDA). AwoX is backed by Innovacom, BNP Paribas Private Equity, Soridec, and CIC-CM Private Equity. www.awox.com

About Opera Software ASA

The worldwide World Wide Web — any device, any platform, any bandwidth, absolutely anywhere in the world. Opera Software was founded in 1994, based on the idea that access to the Web should be a universal right. 220 million people (and counting) use the Opera web browsers for computers, mobile phones, TVs and other connected devices. Opera also delivers tools, distribution, engagement, monetization and market insights to developers, publishers and brands around the world. We are passionate about breaking down barriers, so everyone can share in the power of the Internet. Our vision of one Web for all remains at the heart of what we do, because we believe that participation changes everything. Opera Software ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.

Expand your TV entertainment

So, your New Year’s promise was to get off the couch more? Why not spend time in front of your TV more effectively, getting more entertainment instead? Today, Opera launched the Opera TV Store, a complete HTML5-based store solution for connected TVs, now available for OEMs, developers and content providers who can easily reach millions of app-hungry users.

The Opera TV Store gives you a completely different way to experience TV. By introducing easily navigated HTML5 apps such as Facebook or Vimeo to your living room, it expands your TV entertainment options. The Opera TV Store is optimized for HD Ready screens and standard remote controls, so all you need is to relax and choose one from many of the cool apps including video, games and news.

“We had a simple idea that, in order to bring apps to the world of TV in a huge way, you need to provide users with a lean-back web experience and developers, content providers and manufacturers with the most convenient, cross-platform technology,” said Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software. “With the Opera TV Store we’ve done it, and given the world of TV more possibilities and entertainment options at the same time.”

TV apps made easy

Are you developing apps for phones or tablets? The Opera TV Store is the next big thing for you. Use our convenient developer tools to create your killer cross-platform TV app and reach millions of users around the world. With the Opera TV Emulator and the Opera Dragonfly tool you can create and test your TV app without leaving your computer. To get started, check out the useful articles and tutorials specific to TV development at http://dev.opera.com/tv/.

Harness the power of TV apps

The Opera TV Store can be installed by OEMs on any set-top box, Blu-ray player or HD Ready TV. Manufacturers can easily harness the power of TV apps on any device running the Opera Devices SDK. Also, with a selection of high-quality, TV-optimized web apps offered within Opera TV Store, OEMs can rest assured that their users will get the best possible experience, without having to worry about the content themselves.

See the product video.

You can test-drive the Opera TV Store right now using the Opera TV Emulator. Experience for yourself how easy it is for users to navigate, install and launch TV-optimized applications from our catalog. Visit the developer portal for the Opera TV Store at http://www.opera.com/business/tv/store/.

The Opera TV Store is available for OEMs and content providers and will be shown at CES in Las Vegas. For more information, or to arrange a meeting, contact Thomas FordThomas Ford thomfo[at]opera.com, mobile:             +1 310 739 6555      .

About Opera Software ASA

The worldwide World Wide Web — any device, any platform, any bandwidth, absolutely anywhere in the world. Opera Software was founded in 1994, based on the idea that access to the Web should be a universal right. 220 million people (and counting) use the Opera web browsers for computers, mobile phones, TVs and other connected devices. Opera also delivers tools, distribution, engagement, monetization and market insights to developers, publishers and brands around the world. We are passionate about breaking down barriers, so everyone can share in the power of the Internet. Our vision of one Web for all remains at the heart of what we do, because we believe that participation changes everything. Opera Software ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.

Opera, a must-have in set-top boxes

INTEK Digital selects Opera to deliver a better Web on world first Android-based hybrid set-top boxes

Opera Software and INTEK Digital, a leading set-top-box manufacturer, announced that the two companies will work together to deliver a better web experience for connected TV viewers. Opera Software will provide licenses for the Opera Devices Software Development Tool Kit (SDK) on its Android-based Hybrid set-top box (STB) including HbbTV. This new STB will be shipped in the first half of 2012.

The hybrid STB provides viewers with both broadcast television and Internet content on their TVs. With analogue broadcast TV to be switched off by the European Commission’s recommended date of 2012, the demand for hybrid STB is now on the rise. IMS Research recently pointed out that worldwide digital terrestrial STB shipments will reach 20.5 million in 2012. With more and more web applications available for TVs, a good Internet solution plays an important role to elevate the users’ experience.

The Opera Devices SDK is a robust, open platform for creating web-standards-based Internet solutions. It provides the ideal foundation for developing connected, interactive TV solutions by combining web applications, widgets and full Internet browsing with emerging standards. In addition, it uses Opera’s most recent core, Opera Presto, which powers the latest Opera desktop browser. It has incorporated a significant update to the SVG engine, with up to 10x performance improvements over the SVG engine in previous versions. There are also improvements in CSS, DOM and JavaScript modules. Now it is available on Android-based platforms.

“For years, the Opera Devices SDK has been deployed by many leading TV OEMs and STB manufacturers. We keep improving the technology to make it compliant with up-to-date industry standards,” said Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software. “With this partnership, Opera and INTEK Digital STB technology will deliver a seamless and enhanced hybrid TV experience to people all over the world.”

“2012 will be the year of connected TVs. As the demand increases, we remain dedicated to delivering the best to our customers,” said Shine Kim, CEO of INTEK Digital. “Opera Devices SDK for Android is easy to deploy. It enables INTEK Digital to both meet the time demands of the market as well as bring quality hybrid STBs with superb web-rendering performance to the market.”

About INTEK Digital Inc

A leading Korean set-top-box manufacturer established in 2005. With its strong focus on DVB and IP-based solution INTEK has gained a high reputation for its technology and focus on customer support in the broadcasting industry. Investing heavily in Research and Development INTEK is successfully growing, serving various operators both in commercial and consumer markets worldwide. Headquarters are located in Anyang, Korea, with Sales offices in Brazil, Germany, and Hungary.

About Opera Software ASA

The worldwide World Wide Web — any device, any platform, any bandwidth, absolutely anywhere in the world. Opera Software was founded in 1994, based on the idea that access to the Web should be a universal right. 220 million people (and counting) use the Opera web browsers for computers, mobile phones, TVs and other connected devices. Opera also delivers tools, distribution, engagement, monetization and market insights to developers, publishers and brands around the world. We are passionate about breaking down barriers, so everyone can share in the power of the Internet. Our vision of one Web for all remains at the heart of what we do, because we believe that participation changes everything. Opera Software ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.

The app revolution will be televised at CES

With their New Year’s hangovers having run their course, a team from Norwegian browser maker Opera Software will descend on Las Vegas’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES — but you knew that) to showcase what consumers can expect from TVs in 2012.

“If the Mayans were right and 2012 is the end of it all, we’re starting off with a bang,” said Tatsuki Tomita, Senior Vice President, Opera Software. “We’re transforming the TV experience by bringing the world of HTML5 apps to TV sets, Blu-Ray players and set-top boxes all over the world. And, that’s only part of what we’re showing.”

In their frosty Nordic workshop, Opera’s engineers have been hard at work on several new presents for operators and OEMs to unwrap — late holiday gifts if you will. We already mentioned TV apps, but we’ve also improved the Opera Devices SDK. Here’s what we added while everyone else was guzzling egg nog:

Opera Devices SDK with Media Streaming Option. For most of our TV viewing life, we’ve been accustomed to shows starting without loading or the dreaded “buffering”. But, now with more web video content coming to the TV screen, we need to make sure that the video loads smoothly. Enter Opera’s adaptive streaming solution that ensures content adapts to the bandwidth available and local resources present to give an optimal viewing experience. Our media streaming option supports Apple HLS, Microsoft Smooth Streaming and MPEG DASH.
DLNA support. Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could stream content from one device to any other device in your home? That’s what DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is all about. In the Opera Devices SDK with DLNA option, you can find other DLNA-certified devices and stream content between them. It could be videos from your media server or photos from your mobile phone.
To schedule a demo of the Opera TV Store and the new and improved Opera Devices SDK, contact Thomas FordThomas Ford thomfo[at]opera.com. Visit http://www.opera.com/tv/ to learn more.

About Opera Software ASA

The worldwide World Wide Web — any device, any platform, any bandwidth, absolutely anywhere in the world. Opera Software was founded in 1994, based on the idea that access to the Web should be a universal right. 220 million people (and counting) use the Opera web browsers for computers, mobile phones, TVs and other connected devices. Opera also delivers tools, distribution, engagement, monetization and market insights to developers, publishers and brands around the world. We are passionate about breaking down barriers, so everyone can share in the power of the Internet. Our vision of one Web for all remains at the heart of what we do, because we believe that participation changes everything. Opera Software ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.

Opera brings the results of the CIS in 2011

Last year became the company Opera Software one of the most successful both on the growth of an audience of browsers, as well as to expand the partner network in the CIS. Number of users of desktop Opera browser in the region in 2011 increased by 25%, more than 100 million people at least once using Opera Mini on their mobile devices. With partners in the CIS was spread out over 12 million copies of Opera for customized computers, smartphones, mobile phones and Tablet PCs. By the end of 2011 the number of Opera Mini browser users worldwide exceeded 144 million per month. Russia and Ukraine are in the top 10 regions by number of users - a year in these countries, they became more at 41% and 103% respectively. packages of unlimited Internet-based Opera Mini in the past year benefited from over 5 million subscribers of mobile operators of the CIS. Special rates are offered to the Russian "STC", "motive" and "Akos" Kcell Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan Bakcell. In addition, the cellular providers seek to provide its subscribers with customized versions of Opera Mini and Opera Mobile with pre-cell Speed ​​Dial. In addition to these companies, the contract for the development of these versions has also been signed with Armenia VivaCell-MTS. Within the framework of the CIS mobile browser Opera cooperates with Google, and with by Yandex, providing quick access to search technologies from the browser Opera Mini and Opera Mobile. In 2011, for Yandex were also released customized versions of these browsers, focused on smart phones based on Android. Since July of this year, Opera Mini included a number of Android-smartphone Sony Ericsson. Also engaged in promoting the browser company i-Free, and United Fun Traders. Russia and Ukraine have become leaders in the number of users of desktop Opera browser on a global scale. The audience in these countries in the past year increased respectively by 22.6% and 13.2%. The demand for extensions to the browser, announced in December 2010, has grown even more than expected. In late 2011, users from around the world downloaded more than 5.5 million per month extensions. Moreover, visitors from Russia and Ukraine go to the directory addons.opera.com most of all - they account for respectively 35.2% and 14.9% of hits (taking into account the traffic from all over the world). Two of the most popular extensions for Opera today made ​​Russian web developers - Gismeteo and VKontakte. In the past year increased the number of partners and Opera, promote their services using the browser. Among the companies whose links are placed in the Express bar by default, added services and Booking.com Groupon (in Russian), TUT.BY and Kufar.by (in Belarus), Price.ua, Aukro.ua and Emarket.ua ( in Ukraine). In addition, ongoing collaboration with Opera Mail.Ru Group and by Yandex. End of 2011 extends a special assembly of Opera for PC "tasteful Yandex." The new trend of the year was to use Opera Turbo - Traffic compression technology - to provide users with 3G-modem unlimited access to web pages from notebooks, netbooks, and in some cases , the desktop. Unlimited access packages based on the use of Opera Turbo, in 2011, was first proposed by the Central Branch of the subscribers "Megaphone", as well as customers' Beeline "in some regions of Russia.