Opera releases Mini browser for Android

Opera has released a version of its Mini web browser for Android handsets, promising an improved end-user experience.

The company said that Opera Mini 5.1 is now available for all handsets on the Android platform, and will give users a lightning fast browsing experience.

"Opera Mini 5.1 for the Android platform is the next step in bringing the world's most popular mobile web browser to all major platforms, offering improved performance and great web experience to almost any handset," said Lars Boilesen, chief executive at Opera Software.

"Opera Mini is used by over 61 million people on more than 3,000 handset models, and with today's release Opera continues its mission to provide the best web experience on any device and on any platform."

Opera recently released a version of the Mini browser pitched at low-end handsets, but the company is keen to stress how well the software performs on newer and more sophisticated phones.

For example, the iPhone version was downloaded one million times within 24 hours of its release, the firm said.

Features in the Android version include speed tools that Opera said will improve the browsing experience, as well as its compression tools.

The latter should appeal to mobile users as they reduce the amount of data sent to the handset, saving on monthly bills.