Opera Software ASA today unleashed Opera 6.0 for Windows, a browser with an array of new and improved features, including a completely customizable user interface, and new speed boosting features for improving users' Internet experience. The previous beta version launched at COMDEX Nov. 13, has broken all records for a beta release, with more than 500 000 downloads in the two weeks since the launch. Opera 6.0 for Windows reaches out to users accustomed to competing browsers' single document interface (SDI), by offering an enhanced version of SDI as an added option on top of Opera's traditional multiple document interface (MDI). Opera newbies that are not used to browsing in MDI can now start in familiar surroundings, immediately making use of Opera's power-user features, and later have the option to change to Opera's more advanced MDI environment.

"Opera 6.0 was received with tremendous enthusiasm all over the Internet," says Dean Kakridas, VP Desktop Products, Opera Software ASA. "Opera 6 gives worldwide users of all levels an alternative to IE and a better Internet experience on multiple desktop platforms. We will continue to work extremely hard to provide the home, corporate and education markets the best browser solution possible." With this release, Opera for the first time also displays non-Roman alphabets, opening up the local markets in the Asia/Pacific and Eastern European region to true browser competition.