Opera has today announced that their new Opera 12 browser, when launched, will bring with it a major graphics-hardware boost. The new hardware acceleration will specifically affect the rendering of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) transitions and animations, for Canvas 2D drawing, and text. Together with support for the WebGL 3D graphics technology, which will also be hardware-accelerated. If you fancy giving the new alpha version of Opera 12 a go, a new release will be arriving on Thursday this week.
Enhanced Performance and Graphics
The introduction of hardware acceleration in Opera 12 is a significant step forward for the browser. By leveraging the power of the computer’s GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), Opera 12 aims to deliver smoother and faster rendering of web pages. This is particularly beneficial for websites that make extensive use of CSS transitions and animations, as well as for applications that rely on Canvas 2D drawing. The hardware acceleration ensures that these elements are rendered more efficiently, resulting in a more responsive and visually appealing user experience.
In addition to CSS and Canvas 2D, Opera 12 will also support WebGL, a technology that brings 3D graphics to the web. WebGL allows developers to create complex 3D scenes and animations that can run directly in the browser without the need for additional plugins. With hardware acceleration, these 3D graphics will be rendered more smoothly, providing users with a richer and more immersive browsing experience.
Improved Compatibility and Performance
Also in Opera 12 is a new HTML5 parser, a feature that will bring Opera into line with the new Web standard for processing the code that makes up Web pages. The result should be better compatibility, so Web pages viewed with one browser look the same as when viewed with another. This is a crucial development, as it ensures that web developers can create sites that work seamlessly across different browsers, reducing the need for browser-specific code and making the web more accessible to everyone.
As well as the graphics-hardware boost, Opera 12 will also be sporting a revamped JavaScript engine for running the software that powers Web applications. JavaScript is a critical component of modern web development, enabling interactive features and dynamic content on websites. The new JavaScript engine in Opera 12 promises to deliver faster execution times and improved performance, making web applications run more smoothly and efficiently.
The combination of hardware acceleration, improved HTML5 support, and a faster JavaScript engine makes Opera 12 a compelling choice for users who demand high performance and compatibility from their web browser. These enhancements are particularly important as the web continues to evolve, with more complex and resource-intensive applications becoming commonplace. By staying at the forefront of these developments, Opera 12 ensures that users can enjoy the latest web technologies without compromising on speed or reliability.
The upcoming release of Opera 12 represents a significant milestone for the browser. With its major graphics-hardware boost, enhanced HTML5 support, and revamped JavaScript engine, Opera 12 is well-positioned to deliver a superior browsing experience. Whether you’re a web developer looking for a browser that can handle the latest technologies or a user seeking a fast and reliable way to navigate the web, Opera 12 is set to meet your needs. Don’t miss the chance to try out the new alpha version when it arrives this Thursday.
Source: CNET
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