Opera has now released the final version of its Opera 12.10 browser to the world, moving it out of the beta development stage it entered just over a month ago.
The new Opera 12.10 browser is packed with new features, including more powerful extension support and “Live Tiles,” which can be used to display Pinterest trends, Facebook photographs, weather, and more. This release marks a significant upgrade from previous versions, offering users a more dynamic and interactive browsing experience.
Enhanced Extension Support
Opera 12.10 also now supports Flexbox, a way to easily arrange page layouts, together with an API for URL filtering. This makes it easier for developers to create more sophisticated and user-friendly web pages. Additionally, three new APIs have been introduced, allowing developers to design and create more complex extensions for Opera end users. These APIs provide greater flexibility and functionality, enabling developers to enhance the browser’s capabilities significantly.
For example, the new APIs can be used to create extensions that integrate seamlessly with social media platforms, providing real-time updates and notifications directly within the browser. This can be particularly useful for users who rely on social media for both personal and professional purposes.
Support for New Web Standards
Opera 12.10 comes with support for some new Web standards, including the Fullscreen API and partial support for the Page Visibility API. The Fullscreen API allows developers to create immersive, full-screen web applications, which can be particularly useful for gaming and video streaming services. The Page Visibility API, on the other hand, helps developers manage the visibility state of web pages, optimizing performance and resource usage.
Opera is also updating its WebSockets standard implementation and enabling it by default. WebSockets provide a more efficient way to handle real-time communication between the browser and web servers, making web applications faster and more responsive. Additionally, support for the International Color Consortium (ICC) profiles has been added, ensuring accurate color representation across different devices and platforms.
The new Opera 12.10 desktop browser is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems and comes with basic touch support when used with Microsoft’s new Windows 8. This makes it a versatile choice for users across different platforms, ensuring a consistent and high-quality browsing experience.
Integration with Windows 8
One of the standout features of Opera 12.10 is its integration with Windows 8. The browser includes basic touch support, making it easier to navigate on touch-enabled devices. This is particularly important as more users transition to touch-based computing. The touch support in Opera 12.10 ensures that users can enjoy a smooth and intuitive browsing experience, whether they are using a traditional desktop or a modern touch-enabled device.
Moreover, the browser’s enhanced OS integration means that it can take full advantage of the features offered by Windows 8. For instance, users can pin websites to the Start screen, allowing for quick and easy access to their favorite sites. This level of integration helps to streamline the browsing experience, making it more efficient and user-friendly.
The release of Opera 12.10 marks a significant milestone for the browser. With its enhanced extension support, new APIs, and support for the latest web standards, Opera 12.10 offers a more powerful and versatile browsing experience. Its compatibility with both Windows and Mac OS X, along with its integration with Windows 8, ensures that it meets the needs of a wide range of users. Whether you are a developer looking to create sophisticated web applications or a user seeking a more dynamic browsing experience, Opera 12.10 has something to offer.
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