Opera 15/16/17/18/19/20+ - The Chrome Wars

A Former User

Originally posted by magellan42:

It may be more compatible with a few sites like Facebook, most of these sites I don't use and never will be, but what I have seen so far is incompatible with a lot of the existing users, including me.

The reality is the existing users form a very small share of the overall browser market. Problems with site compatibility has always been a major issue with Opera for many years so perhaps sacrificing the few dedicated users who have very specific and sometimes individual requirements is necessary in order to attempt to gain a larger market share. You have to wonder why a simple browser like Chrome is way more popular than the feature rich Opera (before the engine switch).

blackbird71

blackbird71

Originally posted by cozza:

... The reality is the existing users form a very small share of the overall browser market. Problems with site compatibility has always been a major issue with Opera for many years so perhaps sacrificing the few dedicated users who have very specific and sometimes individual requirements is necessary in order to attempt to gain a larger market share. ...

And just how is Opera attempting to gain market share, especially if they have alienated a significant portion of their long-term, feature-demanding user base, however large that may or may not have been? Marketing? If they are marketing, where and when and how? Because right now, I've encountered virtually nothing in the media. In bygone days, the Opera desktop demand came either from word-of-mouth from that now-"sacrificed" user base and from down-adoption by mobile users who found it on their phones - marketing has never been Opera's "strong suit". Will share be gained from the Chrome-fixated world by the addition of "must-have, killer" features? If so, which ones and when will they appear - and how will the market find out they even exist? What is Opera uniquely doing (and marketing) to both retain old uers and attract new ones?

It's been a long time in "Internet-years" since Opera introduced a desktop browser feature that was both compelling and novel. It's been a year since many in its "existing user base" experienced the release of a fully-featured Opera as useful as what they've known before... instead, they've seen many of those features simply evaporate. It's been six months since the introduction of the Blink version... and still the marketplace waits for something distinctive and compelling as a reason to switch to Opera (since every net-aware device already comes with some kind of default browser, and "switching" is the only way Opera can grow market share).

In all of this, I'm not arguing that it won't or can't eventually happen. But the wait is growing long, and the encouraging signs are few of late - particularly in the marketing arena.

Originally posted by cozza:

... You have to wonder why a simple browser like Chrome is way more popular than the feature rich Opera (before the engine switch).

Because all-too-many sites have financially partnered with a few browser makers to "support their browser brand" on those sites. Because it's easier and cheaper to code for a website by ignoring rigorous Internet standards or low-market-share browsers. Because a ton of software and websites push downloads of a few browsers in return for "financial consideration". Popularity and simplicity may have little to do with why the masses choose a simplistic browser... it may have more to do with the consequences of a user's "needed" site employing browser-sniffing that coughs up a warning panel intimating Chrome, Firefox, or IE are the only ones that should be used, or "safely" used. That's particularly compelling when it's your bank, your webmail, or whatever.

Deleted User

Deleted User

Chrome is popular because there is a giant advertising power behind it. Every time somebody visits the Google main site and probably others with another browser, there is a banner saying "install Google Chrome", sprinkled with some marketing bull like faster, modern, etc. It may be dumb and primitive, and it may be a good browser for "1 bit" users who are unwilling or uncapable to make some mental effort when using the web (this probably desribes at least 2/3 of all users), but there are a dozen dumb and primitive browsers for similar people, and the winner is the one with the biggest marketing power. Look at those other dumb browsers, without the marketing support that Chrome gets, they are even less popular than Opera, and not because they are worse than anything else!

Deleted User

Deleted User

I have yet to see some real usage statistics for Opera 15+ which show its penetration and because of its user agent suspect that most show it as Chrome. Neither of the traffic analysis tools I use on my own websites (analog and AWStats) identify Opera 15+. I see a slight decline in Opera Presto usage but it remains 1-2%. So at the moment it is difficult to gauge Opera Blink usage but I have a gut feeling it is low and even lower than Presto. Yes, unless they concentrate on the marketing, Opera in all forms is just going to disappear.

stng

stng

Originally posted by magellan42:

Chrome is popular because there is a giant advertising power behind it. Every time somebody visits the Google main site and probably others with another browser, there is a banner saying "install Google Chrome", sprinkled with some marketing bull like faster, modern, etc. It may be dumb and primitive, and it may be a good browser for "1 bit" users who are unwilling or uncapable to make some mental effort when using the web (this probably desribes at least 2/3 of all users), but there are a dozen dumb and primitive browsers for similar people, and the winner is the one with the biggest marketing power. Look at those other dumb browsers, without the marketing support that Chrome gets, they are even less popular than Opera, and not because they are worse than anything else!

Not surprised at all. Google invests 10 dollars into the Chrome's advertising and its sneak install campaign for each one dollar invested into the development of their browser as software.
Opera's attempt to fight Google's marketing monster with stripped-down Chromium-based shell under a proven brand couldn't be considered as winning strategy. The niche of oversimplified and 100%(nearly) compatible browsers is already oversaturated.

Deleted User

Deleted User

That is so true. It's also pretty easy when you have the biggest search engine and video site:

http://static3.businessinsider.com/~~/f?id=4b36b9060000000000f3272b&maxX=620&maxY=370
http://scm-l3.technorati.com/09/11/11/1347/chrome-house-ads-1.27.2009.jpg
http://www.newspaperinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/20mincrome.png
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5241/5319858908_fc16d9b6ef_o.jpg
http://ryanspoon.com/wp-content/uploads/google-chrome-ad-units.jpg
http://www.ruscoe.net/blog/uploads/amazon-google-chrome.png

al-khwarizmi

al-khwarizmi

Ohh, that is really great news, wok-tek. I think I'll check the source for that Otter browser and see if I can give some help to the project.

Deleted User

Deleted User

Thanks woj-tek for this news! Hope that 'opensource Opera' project will be successful! :hat:

dehrhardt

dehrhardt

I am not a developer, just a user of opera since ver.9. This may sound crazy, but I don't care what engine they run the browser from. The problem seems to me, is that we loyal users have become accustomed to all the useful features that Opera once had. Bring back the ability to have nested Bookmarks, (some of us like organization!). Bring back the link service so we can effortlessly share our settings between computers.

I hope that Opera hasn't abandoned their PC based devotees. I have searched the web on smart phones and tablets, and found it a much inferior experience. I have experimented with other browsers, (Avant, Lunascape, and the name brand ones), and have found nothing that compares favorably with Opera 12.16. Previously, I had updated with every new version of Opera...

There are some features that I, personally, cannot do without. If version 12.16 becomes too out of date to use, and the developers don't bring back the old functionality, I will reluctantly have to move on.

A Former User

Me too, but there are actually not that many Essential Features Needed Before Upgrading.

If you expect or hope for a complete copy of Opera 12.16 you will inevitably be disappointed. Start looking for another browser now. If you're willing to adapt, and install a few extensions, you may find it worth upgrading before Opera 12.16 becomes obsolete.

I am still using Opera 11.64 for various reasons, but that already entails some compromises. The PDF-XChange browser plugin is badly broken in Opera 11.64 on Windows 7, so I have to use Adobe Reader plugin, or open PDF files externally. Never mind, at least I have my small tabs, and sensible pagedown/pageup behaviour.

Deleted User

Deleted User

Originally posted by woj-tek:

Your answer - http://otter-browser.org/ - basically a project aiming to mimic Opera 12.x UI and functions. It's still in early stages (AFAIKR alpha 1 binaries will be released tomorrow), it's based on Qt5 with (currently) WebKit as rendering engine (author mentions Blink in the feature, possibly other?). From the looks of the screenshots it looks promissing - basically what Opera promised - an old Opera 12 UI with webkit/blink engine underneath.

Awesome, I tried the alpha version and it actually works! It's seems very promising, but I'm worried that this guy is working alone, he need some help, or even some money.

jimf671

jimf671

I tried 15 twice and deleted both times. I have just installed 18 and it is currently pointlessly grinding away at something. I adjusted process priority so that I can still get something done using 12.16.

The reason I use Opera is because it has been a good tool for doing a pile of work. I have been able to make versions up to 12 into whatever finely tuned tool I require to hunt for, manipulate and use information. 15 to 19 are just useless toys copying the toy-town small-minded needs of dumb Americans and their imitators.

Get a grip Opera. This is a European product so it should be aimed at a higher intellectual level and properly marketed as a tool for doing proper work but still with the features needed for a chill day.

Maybe you could have it install in internet-for-dummies mode and have a big button in the corner that says 'north european mode' that loads the features that have made Opera special during the last decade. Then, for those who don't require that level of sophistication, the button for changing back is marked 'internet-for-dummies' or 'north american mode' or just 'dumb-ass'.

==================================================
Otter may provide a solution but I share Staross's concern about this being a small and unsupported operation. Otter could disappear quicker then it has appeared.

I don't suppose there is any chance that Opera could get together with Otter?

Deleted User

Deleted User

LOL... just a little biased, eh? Let's see if I've got all this right: toy-town small-minded needs of DUMB Americans; European product ... aimed at a higher intellectual level; internet-for-dummies OR North American mode or just dumb-ass (all equal in your mind).

Your post doesn't really deserve a response other than to say, it's been reported for abuse.

stevenjcee

stevenjcee

"Version numbers don't mean anything to anyone anymore", really? Every update, especially major ones, to other browsers, or operating systems, always have a list of what's changed, so the user can determine, if they'd like, whether to update or not. Lately, Apple's been releasing updates, that like the current Opera, has greatly pissed off many, many longtime users (like iTunes 11, & some of the Safari & OS updates have eliminated various features, or changed them, and not for the better), however, they are obviously not in danger of dropping off the map, as they have a far greater market share than Opera.

Had I known that Opera 16 would eliminate Bookmarks, & other customization features, I'd probably not have updated, for I wrongly assumed that updates to Opera would be equivalent to upgrades.... So yes, the near total lack of communication, coupled with the varied & sometimes erroneous or conflicting information from some of the heavy posters in this forum, has only added to the frustration of many users. There's nothing worse for a company than to give their customers/users the feeling they don't give a damn about them, or their experience. And to be left in the dark, after suddenly finding features we'd become accustomed to using (not only in Opera, but with every other browser) disappear, with no explanation or communication as to what will or won't be returning, and when, is not the way to build a loyal customer base, much less retain those they already have.

The only reason I care, at this point, is that while it's lately been prone to freezing & crashing (& then automatically re-opening, which is odd, & not so good a thing), it seems to be able to be open, with a lot of windows/tabs, without totally bogging down, a good bit longer than FF, Safari, & Chrome....

I sure wish we could get some definite, or at least approximate (but accurate) answers to the various questions many of us have....

frenzie

frenzie

Originally posted by woj-tek:

Opera boasted that they released 4 major versions this year

Could you link to that?

Deleted User

Deleted User

@Frenzie

4 major Opera releases

11 Opera maintenance releases

27 Opera Next releases

18 Opera Developer releases

source

stng

stng

Originally posted by woj-tek:

Originally posted by sgunhouse:

Actually, about Opera 10, Opera was the most customizable browser (no matter what Firefox said). It may not have had as many extensions (or even had extensions at all - I forget when we got extensions) but you could add buttons, create your own menus, gestures or keyboard shortcuts, and even modify the dialogs if they didn't fit your netbook screen or whatever.

Your answer - http://otter-browser.org/ - basically a project aiming to mimic Opera 12.x UI and functions. It's still in early stages (AFAIKR alpha 1 binaries will be released tomorrow), it's based on Qt5 with (currently) WebKit as rendering engine (author mentions Blink in the feature, possibly other?). From the looks of the screenshots it looks promissing - basically what Opera promised - an old Opera 12 UI with webkit/blink engine underneath.

Actually it's not going to clone Opera 12.x The developer says that he want to implement Opera-like features very selectively...
Also, for unknown reason i can't access Otter browser's web-page from Russian ip address.

Deleted User

Deleted User

Now, if one guy can make a simple but working Opera-like browser with Webkit in two months, what the (bleep) the Opera developers did last year beside, ahem, polishing their magic flute?

jimf671

jimf671

Relax leushino. I am taking my lead from American management of American companies. Some of them regularly shock their European colleagues by explaining how dumbed down products and product instructions need to be for the American market.

jimf671

jimf671

Originally posted by StevenCee:

... ...
The only reason I care, at this point, is that ... ... it seems to be able to be open, with a lot of windows/tabs, without totally bogging down, a good bit longer than FF, Safari, & Chrome....

Right with you there. Opera has been the browser for handling a huge volume of work.

What am I going to do with 11474 bookmarks??????????????????