Opera releases Opera Mini 4.5 for feature phones with download manager, privacy mode

Opera Software has released Opera Mini 4.5, the updated version of its mobile browser, for feature phones that support Java apps.

The update brings a refreshed look and feel with touch enhancements for supported phones.

The browser now comes with a download manager through which users can pause, resume and manage downloads, getting the ability to control downloads on their phones. The browser also offers a privacy mode that allows users to browse the web without storing form details and browsing history. Users can open a new Private tab for the same.

"Getting online is a must in the modern world, and the kind of equipment you choose to use should not stand in the way of having a first-class browsing experience," says Christian Uribe, Product Manager for Opera Mini for Opera Software. "That's why we introduced some of the best-loved features from the advanced series of Opera browsers for basic phones. Having an excellent download manager is just as important for the students downloading class work to their phones as it is for business people with more advanced phones."

Opera claims that the browser integrates its data compression technology because of which viewing a webpage may cost as little as 10 percent of what it costs using other browsers, saving costs for mobile phone subscribers who pay per megabyte downloaded.

The browser will work on all phones capable of running a Java game or a BlackBerry phone that runs Java. If the user's Java phone is more capable, it will be given the option to download Opera Mini 7.5, which is a more advanced version, better suited to phones with more capable hardware.

Users can visit the website m.opera.com through their mobile browsers and they will be automatically pointed to the version that best suits their mobile phone.