Microsoft Asha and feature phones to come pre-installed with Opera Mini browser.
Microsoft has signed a partnership with Opera Software to make Opera Mini as the default browser on Microsoft’s budget feature phones and Asha phones.
The Norwegian software maker announced that it’s Opera Mini power saving browser, will become the default web browser for mobile phones based on the Series 30+, Series 40 and Asha software platforms as well as feature phones.
Under the licensing agreement, people who use the current browser for these phones, Xpress, will be “encouraged to upgrade” to the latest Opera Mini browser while factory-new devices will, come with Opera Mini pre-installed.
"We have signed a strategic licensing deal with Microsoft. We are basically taking over the browser building department in Nokia," Opera Chief Executive Lars Boilsesen said. "This means that Opera Mini will become the default browser for Microsoft's feature phone product lines and the Asha phones product lines."
Opera added, "As part of the agreement, people who use the current browser for these phones, Xpress, will be encouraged to upgrade to the latest Opera Mini browser. Factory-new devices will have Opera Mini pre-installed."
Rich Bernardo, the head of legacy business, Phones, at Microsoft stated, “We 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 us to provide continuity of service as we transition from Xpress Browser to Opera Mini.”
Recently Microsoft killed Nokia X project and announced that will be cutting 18,000 jobs as a part of its restructuring process. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Nokia's Devices and Services business, will be most affected by the restructuring and 12,500 "professional and factory positions" will be cut by the year end.
Source: Techcrunch
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