Google Ads in Opera 7.20 beta11

Opera's shrewd partnering with Google

[papabaer]

Opera's newest beta of the forthcoming 7.20 version now includes an option for unregistered users to choose between the standard, though customizable ad banner or, get this---GOOGLE ADS!

I predicted some time ago that Opera would nudge closer to a true relationship with Google, and now, it has happened.

The Google Ad banner will display related Google Ads/links dependent upon the pages viewed while surfing. This is a WIN/WIN scenario----good for Google, great for Opera.

Check it out: [my.opera.com...]

[finoo]

Nice one, thanks for the link.

Opera is the future :)

[ronin]

Wait and see what Firebird does in response >;->

[GoogleGuy]

Opera is a pretty cool browser. I've been trying it out lately and I like it a lot. It's really fast..

[dcheney]

I wonder if the same ads will tend to be displayed in both the web sites google ads and in opera's google ads for that page?

[Yidaki]

Slightly OT: GoogleGuy, if you'll ever have the opportunity to touch a Mac, would you mind to try out Safari and report back what you think about it ...? Just curious about your opinion.

[finoo]

Yeap, Opera have been my first choise for over a year, only use IE to check PR on sites.

[marttali]

Yep, Opera is simply great! The mouse gesture thing is very cool and the search features also!

[Nick_W]

I like to develope menu bars for opera ;)

Nick

[heini]

There is no doubt that Opera is the superior product for windows systems.
Interesting that Opera is now leaning closer to Google, while traditionally having close ties with AlltheWeb, with both companies being Norwegian based.

[finoo]

Downloaded your Opera-Menu Nick, Nice one.
Opera should make that one default for webmasters ;)

[dmorison]

This may sound pathetic, but the only thing that puts me off using Opera as opposed to IE is that it doesn't damp the scrolling of long pages.

If you use a wheelie mouse and quickly move down a long page; IE will scroll fast but smoothly in between all picked up mouse events.

Opera will just scroll instantly to the latest mouse event picked up and I think it looks a bit ugly.

Update:

Figured you had to be able to configure smooth scrolling; and you can :)

[opera.com...]

I might give it a more serious go...

[niceguy]

I would like if Google and Alexa could integrate their toolbars with Opera. That will be the end of Internet Explorer for me!

[heini]

>Google and Alexa could integrate their toolbars with Opera. That will be the end of Internet Explorer

Would be the end of Opera for me...

[papabaer]

What strikes me as particularly clever is that Opera has taken something that a number of unregistered users list as an annoyance, i.e. the "ad banner," and transformed it into something that at least a few are certain to view as an asset. In addition to the Google "Ads," the new optional (alternative) display also lists suggested related searches, which----are NOT "AD" driven, but return standard Google serps.

Additionally, Google offers a link for, what else? why, Google Adwords! Opera not only stands to benefit from an additional revenue stream and new, included search feature, but also from a new perspective a number of unregistered users will have towards the (unregistered version's) ad banner.

No doubt there will be some who grumble still, but I suspect others will perceive the Google Ads option as beneficial, or at least as potentially useful. Certainly, opions will run the gamut; ultimately, the general consensus and acceptance remain to be seen.

In the meantime, Google will benefit from choice "desktop" placement as well as a nice little plug for its Adwords service.

On an unrelated side note, Opera now offers mouse support for "third button/wheel" configuration. Program it to open a link in a new window, new page, background, foreground... or no action at all; it's up to you.

[Chndru]

Google Ads/links dependent upon the pages viewed while surfing

Doesn't this means, G will know every damn page you surf?

[heini]

I see that mostly as a pretty strong encouragement to use the licensed version.
Apart from that it's another good option to advertize outside the box vanishing.

[Yidaki]

>Doesn't this means, G will know every damn page you surf?

Sure! So what? rtfm :)

[papabaer]

As with most Opera options, you can switch back and forth with a few keystrokes or mouse clicks.... Standard banner/Google Ads --- click! Click!

[Nick_W]

>keystrokes

That's what does it for me with Opera apart from the superb access features I use my browser far too much to be messing around with the mouse...

Nick

[kaled]

I like Opera, but those people who like to extoll its virtues and tell the world how wonderful it is should try browsing with the option Multimedia¦Open Javascript Console on Error set.

Some Javascript on my site fails with warnings and some without warnings. This code works fine on IE and Netscape and also works fine on Opera 6 but not Opera 7.

My site is not unique, many other sites throw up Javascript errors. I reported the problems with my own site several months ago but they have not fixed these faults yet.

Opera is a good browser, I do like it, but it is far from perfect - it also has problems keeping the cursor shape uptodate. As for it being fast, well, it may be quicker than the competition but the differences I've seen are only marginal (and version 6 was slower than IE).

Kaled.