20 September 2005

A web browser has announced it has dropped its banner adverts and the license fee in order to get more users online.

The Norwegian browser company, Opera, was previously available without charge with a built-in extra banner advert or users could opt to pay a fee to remove the banner.

"Removing the ad banner and licensing fee will encourage many new users to discover the speed, security and unmatched usability of the Opera browser," said the company's chief executive, Jon S Von Tetzchner.

The Opera browser also uses other innovations to increase access to the web and its usability as a browser. It can allow users to surf the web hands-free using voice commands as well as enabling them to navigate sites with intuitive mouse gestures and browser tabs.

According to latest figures from a web monitoring company, the Opera browser is currently the fifth largest browser with around 0.62 per cent of the market. However, Microsoft Internet Explorer still has a 86.3 per cent share.

© Adfero Ltd

Keep up to date with industry and Nomensa news by signing up to Nomensa newsletters.