Norway-based browser maker Opera has reportedly inked a deal with Microsoft that will see the former’s mobile browser Opera Mini come pre-installed as the default browser on the Redmond’s feature and Asha range of phones.
As per the new licensing deal, announced Thursday, Opera Mini will be the default browser on Microsoft’s low-end Asha, Series 30+ and Series 40 handsets.
According to the agreement, users who currently use Xpress browser on Microsoft feature phones will begin to receive notifications to upgrade to Opera Mini from October 2014, while all new phones will have Opera Mini pre-installed as default browser.
Users transitioning browsers will get support from Opera during the full transition period from October 2014 to December 2015. The Xpress browser will enter maintenance mode until December 2015, when it will be completely shut down.
Announcing the deal, Opera chief executive Lars Boilsesen said Opera has signed a strategic licensing deal with Microsoft that will see the company basically taking over the browser building department in Nokia. He said as per the deal, Opera Mini will become the default browser for Microsoft’s feature phone product lines and the Asha phones product lines.
Rich Bernardo, head of ‘legacy business’ Phones for Microsoft said Microsoft will continue to sell and support classic first and feature phones as well as the Asha range, which have performed well with millions of people who want new mobile experiences at lower price points.
The agreement with Opera will enable the Redmond to provide continuity of service as the company transitions from Xpress Browser to Opera Mini, Bernardo added.
Along with the announcement, Opera also reported its second quarter results with adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) rose 24 percent to $27 million, beating Reuter’s forecasts of $24.7 million.
The company said it now expects full-year EBITDA to be in a range of $117 million to $124 million, up from a previous guidance for $110-120 million, and its revenues at $480-500 million as against previous forecasts of $435-460 million.
Opera shares went up 6.5 percent to 80.45 crowns a share by 0704 GMT post earning and deal announcement.
