A new version of the niche web browser Opera has been released, and it comes packed with a number of neat new features.
Among the changes is a brand-new theming system, support for 64-bit processors, and intuitive HTML5 drag ‘n’ drop.
In keeping with its competitors the URL bar has also become ‘smarter’. It now displays a drop-down list of search suggestions and snippets of already visited pages when entering a search term.
The new themeing system is, arguably, the headline feature of this release. Unlike Firefox or Google Chrome, themes are applied to the entire Opera window – window border and all. The online theme catalog already boasts some 350 themes.
Ubuntu users taking advantage of themeing should note that it will result in Opera using right-sided non-system window controls.
Hardware acceleration and WebGL also feature in this release but are not turned on by default. Head into opera:config to enable it.
Other new features include: –
- Webcam support
- Support for the Do Not Track header
- CSS3 Animations and Transitions
- Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (Cors) Support
- Improved language support
Removal
As great as all of the above items are it must be noted that Opera 12 also sees a number of previously core features removed. Sync service Opera Unite and Opera Widgets are two casualties of a developmental refocus by the Opera Software team.
Download
Opera provide .Deb installers (both 32bit and 64bit) for Ubuntu users. Hit the download button below to visit the Opera download site.