Mobile browser, Opera Mini, has achieved a milestone of a 1 billion downloads on the Google Play Store. This achievement is a testament to the browser’s popularity from users worldwide.
Opera Mini was first launched 18 years ago to address the challenges faced by users in accessing the internet on mobile devices. Particularly in regions with limited network connectivity and slower internet speeds. It recognized the need for a browser that could deliver a fast and efficient browsing experience, bringing access to the web to mobile devices.
The key has been Opera Mini’s Data Compression technology, which allows users to save up to 90% of their data while browsing. And so, especially in areas where the cost of data is high, Opera Mini has served as a first window to the web for millions of people.
The browser has been especially successful across Africa. Now Opera has over 90% brand awareness across the continent, having built up a vast and loyal user base for deliberately designing mobile products with the African market in mind.
In partnership with the leading telecommunications companies across Sub-Saharan Africa, Opera has provided over 40 million people with up to 3GB of free browsing through Opera Mini. Having recently partnered with Safaricom to launch the first free data campaign in Ethiopia. This initiative has helped to empower users throughout the continent, enabling them to establish businesses, connect with loved ones, and embark on educational journeys, all with greater ease and affordability.
Apart from its data-saving capabilities, Opera Mini is also noted for its speed and security features. The browser compresses and optimizes content before it reaches users, so that pages load faster even on slow connections. Opera Mini comes with a built-in ad blocker, which not only saves data but also provides for smoother browsing.