Opera 12 Getting Hardware Acceleration

By Douglas Perry
published

Opera is currently holding its Upnorthweb Conference in Oslo, Norway.

The company reportedly demonstrated an upcoming version of Opera 12 with hardware acceleration, which will be supported on Windows, Mac and Linux platforms.

Opera has promised hardware acceleration since version 11, but decided to delay the introduction so far with the argument that it intends to offer the full acceleration feature on all platforms, including Windows XP. The first alpha version of the browser is expected to be unveiled this Thursday. There was no information how the browser's performance compares to the hardware acceleration feature in rival browsers.

Additional new features include direct support for webcams, a new page navigation feature that replaces scrolling with touch or mouse swiping, as well as a new themes features, which enables an easier creation of browser themes.

We should also mention that Opera keep working on its JavaScript engine and claims that both JavaScript processing as well as HTML rendering has been accelerated. Stay tuned here Thursday to find out how Opera 12 compares to its competition.

Douglas Perry
19 Comments Comment from the forums
  • kcorp2003
    i like using this web browser.
    Reply
  • soundping
    Opera, the other white meat.
    Reply
  • drapacioli
    Now if this is good I may be downloading Opera again. I had it back when I had a slow computer, it's great for old slow connections, but I may put it on my new PC if it's good enough.
    Reply
  • aniklues
    opera is one of the best browser I've ever used. I believe that it has a great potential.
    Reply
  • bison88
    Now if only they could fix that bug that crashes some embedded Youtube videos. I fear maximizing embedded videos for fear it'll crash everything lol.
    Reply
  • Opera - The King of Browsers...

    A demonstration of Microsoft’s “psychedelic browsing” HTML5 test on the Mac saw the Opera 11.5 with no hardware acceleration notch up 864 rpm; the latest Chrome with hardware acceleration score 498 rpm; and the Opera 12 reach 1,950 rpm.
    Reply
  • Thunderfox
    Hardware acceleration? That's SO last quarter.
    Reply
  • memadmax
    Sony needs to get on the ball and update the Opera browser on the PS3.... at least thats my two cents....
    Reply
  • damianrobertjones
    Dear Opera... make your browser a bit more 'touch' friendly please and let us scroll up and down the page like IE9. ...and no, I don't want Opera mobile.
    Reply
  • notsleep
    opera needs 64-bit native browser for windows bad in the wake of flash 64-bit version release. both internet explorer and firefox have 64-bit builds (ie9 and waterfox). chrome/iron/safari also lacks 64-bit version.
    Reply