With more and more users opting for "alternate browsers", Firefox and Opera have been getting a fair deal of attention. Firefox 1.0 has already been downloaded 10 million times since its release in November. Now Opera has released the much awaited beta version of its next browser for the Windows platform.

Opera was in fact preparing for the 7.60 release, but according to Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software, "as work progressed and we kept adding improvements and functionality, it became very evident that we now have a browser that is so powerful, secure, and easy to use that it exceeds the next logical version number and warrants a major release". This suggests a major version jump to 8.0.

The beta version (8.00b1) includes tools like Fit-to-Window-Width, Fit-to-Paper-Width, improved RSS handling, Start Bar for easy access to main features, speech in and output, and automatic update checks - all in a simplified user interface (UI).

"All those who have licensed Opera 7 will, of course, receive free upgrades. The new Opera version has dramatic improvements under the hood, in addition to some very helpful new features to welcome more and more users to take advantage of browsing the Internet in a fast, safe, and customizable way," said Tetzchner.

Fit-to-Window-Width will adapt Web page content to fit the width of your window, which means users can have multiple windows open with no horizontal scrolling. In combination with Opera's Zoom feature, users can magnify Web pages and still view them without having to scroll sideways - a compelling accessibility tool for visually impaired users. This technology can also be applied to printing Web pages with Fit-to-Page-Width.

The trash can remembers closed windows and blocked pop-ups, which, prevents users from losing their work.

The RSS newsfeeds client has been given a more prominent place and increased usability. A clickable RSS icon appears in the address bar on sites that offer RSS feeds. Users can also add the newsfeeds to Opera's email client where they can store, sort, search, and find information.

The new version of Opera also features voice technology. One can browse the Web using spoken commands, such as "Opera next link", "Opera back", or "Opera speak". The latter command will make Opera read Web page content and email messages to you aloud, adding usability as either a screen reader or advanced dictionary.

Still keeping some secrets up their sleeve, Opera has yet to reveal the name of their newest browser version.

"In addition, the new Opera browser comes with an update check function to ensure that you will always have the latest version for maximum protection and performance," said Christen Krogh, Vice President Engineering, Opera Software.

Opera is tightly coded to optimize speed and security while browsing the Web. With integrated search, tabbed browsing with saved sessions, built-in email and more, Opera is under 4 MB.

The final version of the browser is scheduled for release with its full name in early 2005.

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