Sony BRAVIA HDTVs & Blu-Ray Players To Get Opera Browser

Opera has announced that its browser will be making an appearance on future Sony BRAVIA HDTVs and Blu-ray players, allowing the network-connected hardware to browse the full internet. The partnership will also mean that future Sony kit will support emerging online standards, including HTML5, HbbTV and OIPF.

Sony has not confirmed which HDTVs and Blu-ray decks will get the Opera browser, but it seems the company isn't content to settle on Google TV for its smart TV line-up.

Press Release:

Opera chosen by Sony for LCD television and Blu-ray Disc players

Oslo, Norway, and Tokyo, Japan, January 19, 2011

Opera Software today announced to deliver its world-class browser on Sony BRAVIA televisions and Blu-ray Disc (TM) players. Opera aims to deliver more "lean-forward", interactive components to connected home users by offering Opera's solution to Sony's state-of-the-art devices.

The Opera Devices Software Developer Kit (SDK) is the cross-platform, standards-based backbone of Opera for connected TVs and Blu-ray Disc players. As a robust, open platform for creating web-standards-based solutions, Opera Devices SDK forms the ideal foundation for developing full web browsers and user interfaces. Opera brings customization and ease of content distribution to global markets by enabling the delivery of web applications, widgets, full web browsing and emerging standards such as HTML5, HbbTV and OIPF.

Previously, consumers were required to have multiple devices to surf the Internet while watching television. As more connected home electronics devices arrive in living rooms, Internet use is changing. The Internet is becoming more closely connected with people's everyday life, such as the ability to enjoy video on-demand services on television, exchange opinions with friends through social networks about the program they are watching, and buy online directly from their televisions the items seen on TV dramas.

"The Web as we know it is evolving, and we are committed to making it more accessible across diverse devices," said Christen Krogh, Chief Development Officer, Opera Software. "Our ability to address key hybrid broadcast-broadband initiatives in numerous markets makes us a natural fit with Sony. By delivering both a global viewpoint and the necessary technology, we are able to stay on the cutting edge of the industry."

About Opera Software ASA

Opera Software ASA has redefined web browsing for PCs, mobile phones and other networked devices. Opera's cross-platform web-browser technology is renowned for its performance, standards compliance and small size, while giving users a faster, safer and more dynamic online experience. Opera Software is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices around the world. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at http://www.opera.com/.