Introducing Opera extensions
Extensions allow you to easily add new functionality to your Opera browser. Developers can create extensions using familiar open standards: HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript, along with supported APIs. To learn how to create extensions, have a look at our introduction to Opera extensions.
A selection of add-ons can be chosen from our new extensions catalog. With Opera 11 alpha running, you can install extensions by just clicking on them. A small install window will appear. Click “Install”, and you are done. If you have an extension file stored on your computer, it can also be installed by dragging and dropping it into the Opera window.
What does an extension look like? Some extensions have user interface elements, but not all do. For example, an extension can add a button next to the Google search field and show a pop-up menu when clicked. Other extensions do not have user interfaces at all but run in the background.
Once installed, managing extensions is a breeze. The extensions management window lets you easily uninstall and disable current extensions. Soon, we will add support for auto-updating extensions so that there are no worries about running old versions.
With the first iteration of Opera extensions, we are focusing on open web standards and “getting it right”. Our alpha release supports injectable JavaScript, callouts, certain UI items and a basic Tabs and Windows API. Stay tuned for some more cool features coming soon.
Increasing browsing performance
Opera leaped ahead in recent versions with a new JavaScript engine, and our developers have been hard at work fine-tuning our browser to put Opera even further ahead of the pack in a number of benchmarks with further improvements in browser performance.
An option has now been added to have plug-ins such as Flash content load only when clicked on. This is especially helpful for speeding up browsing on computers that have difficulty handling lots of plug-in content. Simply check the “Enable plug-ins only on demand” box in Preferences → Advanced.
Even the installation process has been simplified to require the fewest steps possible, and the installation package is smaller—streamlined for a faster download.
Enhancing browser features
A new mail panel gives you control over the order in which your accounts and mail items show up. You can just drag items where you want them. You can also now create folders for organizing your mail and newsfeeds. A smart behavior is now implemented that can show the mail panel when you are using it, and hide it when you leave a mail tab.
A new bookmarks bar can be enabled that has replaced the personal bar. This conveniently located toolbar allows quick access to your favorite bookmarks.
Supporting the latest in web technologies
To offer the latest support for rich, dynamic web applications, Opera 11 alpha supports HTML5 server-sent events and websockets. Server-sent events allow a server to push notifications and new content to the browser in real time, while websockets allow for sophisticated communication within web applications that can allow for rich next-generation web applications and multiplayer games.
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