New feature-rich version released

The new Opera formally supports a popular file-sharing mechanism called BitTorrent and lets users customise preferences -- such as whether to allow JavaScript or show ads -- on a site-by-site basis.

Opera 9 also sports "widgets" -- Web-based applications that run off its browser but appear detached as stand-alone tools. With Widgets, users can play games, get organised, follow their favourite sports teams, and more. Anyone knowing web coding can develop widgets for Opera; others can download existing ones.

"For Opera 9, we worked hard to push the limits of what people expect from a browser, with increased speed, new web standards support and innovative features such as widgets and BitTorrent," said Jon von Tetzchner, CEO of Opera Software. "Even though we shaped this browser for the future, we have the powerful features people want and need for their surfing today. I truly feel Opera 9 has something for everyone."

Other new features in Opera 9 include a content blocker for removing ads and images from a Web site, improved rich text editing and site-specific preferences. Opera 9 also offers a thumbnail feature, which enables users to mouse over an open tab to see a thumbnail preview of the page. Users can also change the look and feel of the browser, by downloading new skins or altering buttons to suit their choices.

Opera's security and pop-up ad blocker have been improved. A security bar has also been added to Opera 9, a response to the prevalence of phishing scams and identity theft. The security bar aims to reduce users' encounters with phishing scams and also includes technology to strengthen blocking of pop-up advertisements.

The software also includes tools to make it easier for sites to develop for emerging open standards: built-in Extensible Rendering Architecture (ERA) helps developers make sure their sites work well on any web-connected device, from mobile phones to Nintendo's next-generation gaming console Wii.

To help promote Opera 9, the company has created an advertising campaign called "Your Web, Your Choice," which emphasises that users shouldn't be stuck with the Web browser that comes with Windows.