Opera Software announced Wednesday, Feb.13 that it is transitioning its layout engine to WebKit and Chromium for its PC and mobile browsers.
This news comes as Opera has reached a total 300 million monthly users of its browser software. Opera develops browsers for computers, mobile phones, tablets, TVs and other devices. Founded in 1994, Opera Software's mission is based on the concept that Web access is a universal right.
Opera hopes to enhance its browsers on Android iOS and that the move to WebKit and Chromium will provide an even better mobile Web experience for users, with an improved layout.
"The WebKit engine is already very good, and we aim to take part in making it even better. It supports the standards we care about, and it has the performance we need," said CTO of Opera Software, Håkon Wium Lie in a press release. He went on to say that instead of developing its own engine, it is more logical for Opera's experts to contribute by improving Webkit and Chromium. A set of patches was submitted to improve the multi-column layout.
"300 million is a bonanza big number, and we are certain this move will help us grow even more — and make our products even better," said Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software. "Opera is for people who appreciate choice, and we are going to make it even easier to choose Opera in the future."
Opera will be at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona later this month, proudly previewing its upcoming Android browser. Research and development projects are in the works, one of them codenamed "ICE," which has received buzz. Currently, Opera plans on focusing on showcasing and discussing its upcoming Android browser and another project, Opera Web Pass. Existing mega-byte data plans can be confusing for consumers and may not always suit their needs. This can cause a barrier to getting online and Opera Web Pass offers a solution. "We are passionate about breaking down barriers, so everyone can share in the power of the Internet," says Opera's statement.
"The shift to WebKit means more of our resources can be dedicated to developing new features and the user-friendly solutions that can be expected from a company that invented so many of the features that are today being used by everyone in the browser industry," said Lie.
