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MAGAZINE
Dr. Web finds
the answer to your
Web woes
Get inspired in
the city of spires:
Prague
Profiles of the
extraordinary
Fantasy writer
5 wa
y
save s to
w
ith
tech
nolo
gy
Neil Gaiman
talks Web browsing, wizardry and his online faux pas
issue 02 www.opera.com
1
682230
Opera
| 1314458
TO MAKE A BROWSER,
YOU NEED
MORE THAN
HUNDREDS
OF THOUSANDS
OF LINES OF CODE…
…YOU NEED ME,
AND ME, AND ME.
www.opera.com/jobs/
www.opera.com/jobs/
2 | Opera
Opera | 3
Contents
WORLD HEADQUARTERS
Opera Software
Waldemar Thranes gate 98
NO-0175 OSLO
Norway
www.opera.com
OTHER OFFICES
ASK DR. WEB, PAGE 06
Linköping, Sweden
Opera Software
S:t Larsgatan 12
SE-582 24 Linköping
FASHION, PAGE 34
Göteborg, Sweden
Opera Software
Kyrkogatan 4
SE-411 15 Göteborg
San Diego, USA
Opera Software
4241 Jutland Dr.
Suite 105
San Diego, CA 92117
06 ASK DR. WEB
Our Web therapist solves your online
struggles.
Mountain View, USA
Opera Software
700 E. El Camino Real
Suite 310
Mountain View, CA 94040
PUBLISHER
Tor Odland
EDITORIAL
Editor in Chief: Berit Framnes
Senior Copy Editors: Susan Nichols,
Erika Wolfe
Stressed-out Reporters: Thomas Ford,
Michelle Valdivia
ART DIRECTION
Art Director: Janne Rud Hansen
Deputy Art Directors: Truls Haugland,
Arnfinn Hushovd
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sindre Lundvold , Erin E. Yaeger, Dennison
Bertram, Morten Rakke, Paulina Kolondra,
Eirik Knudsen and Per Kristian Løwe.
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
We apologize to everyone who would like to
subscribe to the Opera Magazine. We are
simply not going to offer a subscription to it.
However, we do recommend downloading and
using the Opera browser on your PC, mobile
phone or other portable device.
Check it out at http://www.opera.com/
CONTACT
Tel: +47 2369 2400
Fax: +47 2369 2401
Email: press09@opera.com
Web: http://www.opera.com/
Mail: Opera Software ASA
P.O. Box 2648 St Hanshaugen
NO-0131 OSLO
NORWAY
REPRINTS
To order reprints of the Opera Magazine,
please send an e-mail to press09@opera.com
4 | Opera
Tokyo, Japan
Opera Software
ORIX Meguro Bldg 10F
1-24-12 Meguro, Meguro-ku
Tokyo 153-0063
08 TETZCHNOLOGY 101:
Opera’s CEO confesses his deepest
device secrets.
ONE ON ONE WITH NEIL GAIMAN, PAGE 24
10 PROFILES OF THE
EXTRAORDINARY
Beijing, China
Opera Software
Rm. 0932/33/35, Tower C, Chaowai SOHO
#6 Chaowai Street, Changyang District
100020, Beijing
Eskil Rønningsbakken, Fatal1ty and the
Opera Twins.
20 FIVE WAYS TO SAVE WITH
TECHNOLOGY
Taipei, Taiwan
Opera Software International
5F., No. 285, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd.,
Dan-an District, Taipei City
106, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Five ways to help you reduce spending
and stay on budget.
22 I AM A PIECE OF OPERA
Seoul, Korea
Opera Software
Suite 519, City Air Terminal, 159-6
Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu,
Seoul, Korea
Chandigarh, India
Opera Web Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
SCO 370, Second Floor, Sector 8
Panchkula - 134 108
Chandigarh Tricity
Haryana
A firsthand look at the life of a Polish
engineer.
TETZCHNOLOGY 101, PAGE 08
Opera Magazine interviews Neil Gaiman.
Wrocław, Poland
Opera Software International
ul. Szewska 8, 3p
50-122 Wrocław
30 QUIZ
44 TREND WATCH
What type of device are you?
Check out the best devices for surfing
the Web.
34 FASHION
Warsaw, Poland
Opera Software Poland
Al. Niepodległości 69
02-626 Warsaw
Prague, Czech Republic
Opera Software International
Karlovo nám. 24
110 00 Praha 1
24 ONE-ON-ONE WITH NEIL
GAIMAN
Focus on style–from what you are
wearing to what you are carrying.
46 MEET ASUS
40 TRAVEL
48 CARTOON
Opera Magazine explores the ins and
outs of Prague.
Revisit the origins of Opera.
Stay connected across the spectrum.
PROFILES OF THE EXTRAORDINARY, PAGE 10
Copyright © 2009 Opera Software ASA. All rights reserved. Opera, the Opera logo and icon are trademarks of Opera Software ASA. All other product and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Opera | 5
Ask Dr. Web
As you traverse the ups and downs of your online life,
seek advice from our resident know-it-all.
Dear Dr. Web,
Dear Dr. Web,
As a dedicated Web developer, I spend a lot of
time snacking at my desk. This has naturally led
to a pudgier middle than my wife prefers, so I am
hoping that you have some Web-friendly advice
for whittling down my waistline.
Lately, my boyfriend has been complaining that I
spend too much time on my computer blogging,
chatting and e-mailing with my friends. He wants
me to spend more time offline, with him. I love
him and really want to make this work, but I also
love my online life and do not want to give it up.
Is there a way that I can have both?
Sincerely,
The Serial Snacker
Dear Serial Snacker,
I admire your dedication to Web development
and hope that, together, we can prevent your
career drive from making you plus-sized. One
possible solution is to keep track of what you
consume by counting your calories. I suggest
designing a calorie-counting widget. Widgets are
easy to create; just follow the simple guidelines
given at http://widgets.opera.com/. With a new
calorie-counting widget on your desktop, the
calories you consume will be staring back at you
all day long! Good luck, and please share your
new widget with the rest of us weight-watching
Web users.
Sincerely,
Dr. Web
Dear Dr. Web,
Sincerely,
Broken-hearted Blogger
Dear Broken-hearted Blogger,
While it is important to have a balanced life, I
understand your passion for social networking.
However, I do believe it is time to log off, step
away from the computer and focus on your
man. That said, I do believe there is a way that
you can simultaneously enjoy both the loves of
your life, even while on-the-go. By downloading
Opera Mini to your mobile phone, you can stay
connected without being tied to your computer.
So, go to a ball game, toss a Frisbee at the park,
or even catch a movie … all while keeping Opera
Mini and your online life close at hand. Enjoy your
newfound freedom!
Sincerely,
Dr. Web
I am an elderly woman who has just recently
started learning the ins and outs of the Internet.
However, with many of my faculties fading,
seemingly simple tasks, such as checking e-mail
and reading the newspaper, are especially
difficult. Plus it seems like everything online
requires some sort of username and password,
and I cannot possibly keep track of all that
information. Please help me, Dr. Web.
Dear Dr. Web,
Sincerely,
Online and All Mixed Up
Sincerely,
Mom on a Mission
Dear Online and All Mixed Up,
Do not let your age interfere with your Internet
education. I am proud of you for exploring new
territory and encourage you to continue doing
so. There are many ways to make the Internet
more accessible for you. First, when it comes to
viewing the text on the screen I suggest enlarging
the content in your browser window. When
using the Opera browser, simply go to “View”
in your upper toolbar and select “Zoom”. From
there, you can choose to enlarge the content
on your screen by up to 200%. To make your
extra-large Web page fit on your screen, once
again select “View” and then “Fit to Width”. As
for all those usernames and passwords, Opera
will keep track of them for you. Once you enter
a username and password for the first time, a
message will pop up asking if you want Opera
to save this information for you. Simply confirm,
and you will never have to remember another
password again.
Sincerely,
Dr. Web
6 | Opera
As the mother of a 13-year-old boy, I find myself
constantly nagging my son about homework.
I am happy to spend time helping him with his
many reports and projects, but I cannot seem to
pull him away from his video games long enough
to get anything accomplished. How can I help
my son enjoy his schoolwork?
Dear Mom on a Mission,
With all the attractions of TV and video games,
it can be an uphill battle to get teens to focus
on schoolwork. Your dedication to your son’s
education is admirable, but unless you can
find some common ground, I am afraid you will
lose this battle. Since your son is a video-game
aficionado, I suggest using the Internet browser
on your video game console as an educational
tool. For example, you will find the Opera Web
browser on your Nintendo Wii. Once online,
use your Wii remote to research information for
projects, find study aids available on the Web,
or even enroll your son in some online courses.
By introducing your son to Opera on the Wii, you
can combine his passion with his education. It is
time to make learning fun again!
Sincerely,
Dr. Web
SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
Opera Software ASA
P.O. Box 2648 St Hanshaugen
NO-0131 OSLO
NORWAY or e-mail:
drweb@opera.com
Opera | 7
OPINIONS
TETZCHNOLOGY
101:
ONE WEB IS ALL I NEED BY JON S. VON TETZCHNER
However, as the Web continues to expand its role in our everyday
lives, our demands grow as well. I now expect to be able to access
my Web-based BBC News widget from my mobile phone, continue
reading an article from that same widget once I have powered up
my desktop computer, and complete that article once I am at
home and in front of my TV. My expectations of access, quality
and familiarity should not be sacrificed just because I have chosen
to surf from my handheld device versus my stationary computer.
With 15 years of developing Web browsers under our belt, Opera
Software remains firm in its belief that the secret to making
applications, such as the BBC News widget, work cross-device
is simple: One Web. One Web is all we need to access our
favorite content, often-used applications and stored data, as we
move from device to device. This information should be available
to us anytime, anywhere, no matter the quality of our network
connection, processing power or the particular brand of device
in use. For example, I should be able to select a Linux or Mac
computer and still be able to run most of the applications I want,
since they are all Web-based. But my expectations of the Web
do not stop there. While today I may be accessing my BBC News
widget from three different devices, tomorrow I will want to access
all my information, stored settings and favorite sites and services
8 | Opera
from any device I choose to use. The One–and only–Web will be
my platform, and thus limitless in possibilities.
The concept of One Web is the key to making a seamless Web
experience a reality for everyone. The first step is to code according
to open standards. The Web is built upon and grounded with a single
set of Web standards that enables the same Internet experience on
any device. Opera is dedicated to upholding and contributing to
the building blocks of the Internet and actively participates in the
W3C and other industry forums to help create these standards.
The next ingredient to the One Web promise is to deliver full access
regardless of device capability or network speed. This means
advancing the browser to work under any conditions and to be
accessible to all. A small footprint and constant browser innovation
to improve the experience contribute to this goal.
The final ingredient to bringing One Web to fruition is to keep
content Web-based rather than local. The Web is the solution to
accessing the same applications cross-device, as that important
data should not be stuck inside your phone alone. When the
content you want is Web-based rather than stored locally, that
information is linked and allows you access from any device.
Though the Web may have multiple gateway points, it is all the
same playground once you are inside. More and more people now
own more than one Web-enabled device, and they rely on these
devices each day for information and communication. By working
with others to promote the One Web concept, we are able to help
unify and enhance Internet-enabled products and services, which
in turn helps to create personal and seamless Internet experiences
for users. It is time to change your expectations, because One Web
is truly all you need.
Photography © Morten Rakke
I use three devices to get online on a daily basis: my mobile phone,
my desktop computer and the set-top box in my living room. Each
of these devices stores vital and personal online information, from
my favorite Web sites and services to even my bank account and
e-mail. Over the years, the Web has grown increasingly important in
my everyday life. It keeps me connected to family, friends and work
life, serving as a support system for all the important information I
need during the course of the day.
Opera | 9
Photography © Sindre Lundvold
Profiles of the
extraordinary
Innovation and inspiration are the necessary ingredients for success at Opera Software.
Opera is making an impact on the Web by taking risks and defying the status quo. Opera
Magazine tracked down a few like-minded individuals who are using their talents to
inspire, encourage and make a difference in the world.
In interviews with balance artist Eskil Rønningsbakken, the ultimate gaming champion
Jonathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel, and the Opera Twins, Opera Magazine uncovers what it
takes to be extraordinary.
10 | Opera
THE GAMER
Better known as “Fatal1ty”, Jonathan Wendel is
the world’s most famous gamer, extending his
playing prowess to a lucrative brand and legion
of fans.
THE SINGING TWINS
Sinem and Didem Balik are the identical Opera
Twins, performing the music of Mozart and Verdi
the world over.
“
“
THE DAREDEVIL
Eskil Rønningsbakken is a balance artist whose
life’s mission is to prove that the impossible is
possible.
I’ve spent a lifetime doing what
I do. My motivation is to prove
that nothing is impossible.
Eskil Rønningsbakken
Opera | 11
PROFILES IN BROWSING
An artist at work:
Eskil Rønningsbakken
You have probably heard the saying, “the fine art of balance”, which
often brings to mind a ballet dancer, a gymnast or even a carefully
placed object. But Eskil Rønningsbakken has taken this turn of
phrase and transformed it into his life’s work — achieving the fine
art of balance.
A Google search of the name “Eskil Rønningsbakken” yields myriad
results, predominantly gasp-inducing images that will make you
lean in a little closer to your computer screen. You will find yourself
wondering if these images are the result of a Photoshop whiz or if
they are actually the well-captured, photographic proof of an artist
at work. Rønningsbakken seemingly defies the laws of gravity–and,
well, common sense in some cases–endangering himself with each
act of balance for a greater good. He has made a career out of
taking risks. While some would deem risks of balance unnecessary
when directly contrasted with the inarguably heroic work done
by firefighters or the military, for example, Rønningsbakken firmly
believes in the importance of the message he sends with each
death-defying pose.
“The vulnerable human being balancing between life and death
is something I, among many others, consider art,” explained
Rønningsbakken. “The most important message that I signal with
my actions is that ANYTHING is possible!”
Most people want to make an impact on the world in some form
or another during their lifetimes, but very few are blessed with
the tenacity to hone a skill from childhood and spend a lifetime
improving, advancing and challenging their physical and mental
limits. Growing up in rural Norway, Rønningsbakken had the
majesty of Norway’s nature at his beck and call, prompting him
to explore, climb and take risks. He worked on the family farm
and played in the surrounding woods, all the while developing his
extraordinary balance.
“I’ve been quite the opposite of my Dad, traveling to more than
100 countries around the world. I’ve never believed a journey or
anything in life to be totally impossible, and this has led me to many
places and interesting people.”
Rønningsbakken now finds himself residing in Nairobi, Kenya,
where he perfects his craft while helping others. Through his
experiences he hopes to encourage local Kenyans to make their
dreams a reality. “I believe I can share many of my experiences with
other talented individuals. Besides performing, I also direct other
performers and engage in some creative management here in
Kenya.” The Internet serves as his main channel of communication
and as a medium for his art. By sharing, connecting and staying
in touch with people all around the world, Rønningsbakken is
spreading his art and sending the message that no challenge is to
great when your will is strong.
When asked if the resulting artistic achievements are worth the
risk, Rønningsbakken responded, “It has been worth the risk so far,
though it’s been very hard work.” He believes that risk is defined
differently depending on who you ask, and for Rønningsbakken
balance comes as naturally to him as walking or driving does to
others.
“I’ve spent a lifetime doing what I do. My motivation is to prove that
nothing is impossible.”
“I always climbed the roofs, jumping from one roof to another on
the farm, and I’d use the highest trees to swing myself along. My
work on the farm required a great deal of body strength, and I
spent my winters cross-country skiing, ski-jumping and downhill
skiing. Since we didn’t have a car, our only form of transportation
was by bicycle or on foot,” said Rønningsbakken.
Rønningsbakken’s father was unlike most. While the other kids
were busy chatting on the phone, watching GI Joe, or getting
a lift in the family vehicle, Rønningsbakken was denied these
modern forms of entertainment and convenience and was instead
encouraged to turn elsewhere for stimulation and transportation.
His father was a naturally curious man who would always open his
home to “outsiders” who might not have been accepted elsewhere.
This encouraged a fascination within Rønningsbakken for new and
interesting people and places. Though his father’s interest in foreign
things never translated into a love for travel, Rønningsbakken’s
talents have taken him around the world and back.
12 | Opera
Photography © Sindre Lundvold
Opera | 13
Photography © Sindre Lundvold
PROFILES OF THE EXTRAORDINARY
PROFILES OF THE EXTRAORDINARY
Game on:
Jonathan ‘Fatal1ty’ Wendel
Gaming has been a lifelong passion for Wendel, beginning long
ago on his 286/12 MHz personal computer. Though Microsoft
Flight Simulator is no longer on his gaming agenda, Wendel is
the reigning champion on five games, including Doom 3, Alien
vs. Predator 2, Unreal Tournament 2003, Quake 3 and Painkiller.
These achievements are unique to the competitive gaming industry
and contribute to Wendel’s status as the world’s most famous PC
gamer.
“I think people outside of the competitive realm of gaming don’t
realize how much skill is actually taking place in a first person
shooter. So many of the motor skills you often see in top athletes
are also possessed by gamers,” explained Wendel. “The same is
true of decision making, out-thinking your opponent and attacking
your opponent’s weaknesses. Then you have the hand-eye
coordination, timing, strategy and everything else. It’s not easy
to be a top gamer, millions of kids try to go pro, but it’s super
competitive.”
Competition is just what Wendel seems to thrive on, shattering the
dreams of his opponents at every opportunity. “Never let anyone
win. It’s all about ‘no mercy’…unless it’s a girl you’re trying take on
a date,” he joked.
He entered the world of professional gaming in 1999 and won a
$4,000 cash prize at his first Cyberathlete Professional League
tournament. Since then, Wendel’s average prize winnings are more
in the six-digit range, and his international acclaim has translated
into the Fatal1ty brand, his work as a global gaming ambassador
and spokesman, and his league of fans across the Web and
beyond.
“It consumes every minute if you want to be the best. Training is
crazy, but I really enjoy the challenge of going for it. My greatest
reward is doing what I love,” said Wendel.
Today, you can find Wendel in Las Vegas, placing his bet on the
cards rather than Quake. He’s a Full Tilt Poker pro for the time
being, at least, until the next tournament rolls around.
14 | Opera
“I’ve been playing a lot of poker. I’ve been a big fan of cards since
I was a young kid, and I’ve played a lot of poker off and on even
while gaming. As for video gaming, I’m still gaming all the time,
never stopped … just waiting for big prize tournaments to come
up again,” he explained. “To dedicate 12 to 18 months to win a
couple thousand dollars isn’t that appealing to me. I’ll wait for
the economy to pick up again for major sponsorships of gaming
tournaments and then get right back in the heat of it.”
Even though it seems that his entire life revolves around gaming
of some sort, Wendel still turns to the screen when it is time to
take a break from the competition. “I enjoy playing on my different
consoles for fun and to kick back … Mario Kart, Call of Duty, World
at War and some board games, like backgammon and poker.”
Jonathan ”Fatal1ty” Wendel is one of an elite few, but his story
is universal. Turning a passion into a profession is a dream that
many harbor; it just takes guts and gumption to make it a reality.
Wendel’s dedication and achievements in the gaming subculture
are inspirational and may just cause parents to think twice before
they deprive their kids of “neurofitness” in the form of video games.
“I hope to see gaming grow and that innovative, new technology will
continue to improve our experience playing games,” said Wendel.
“My message to young fans is to do what you love and enjoy it. If
you want something, go for it.”
“Game on!”
“
As he expertly navigates on-screen labyrinths, firing his lightning
gun faster than the naked eye can follow, Jonathan ”Fatal1ty”
Wendel leaves no doubt that he possesses the speed and agility of
a seasoned athlete. He is a “cyberathlete”, a professional gamer by
trade who has turned gaming into a true sport. Gamers around the
world know the name “Fatal1ty” and probably even own an item
or two from his line of gaming gear. He serves as an inspiration to
video-game fanatics around the world, giving them hope that, one
day, they too can turn their beloved hobby into a lucrative career.
“
It consumes every minute if
you want to be the best....
My greatest reward is doing
what I love.
Opera | 15
PROFILES OF THE EXTRAORDINARY
Born to duet:
Sinem & Didem Balik
They call themselves the “Opera Twins”, and, together, the
identical, Turkish-born Sinem and Didem Balık tell tales of love,
hate and heroism through song. They have fulfilled Placido
Domingo’s prediction that they would lead a “universal career”,
and, through the music of the opera, Sinem and Didem entrance
audiences around the world with their unique voices and nearly
indistinguishable faces.
Their careers may just as well have begun in the womb, as music
runs strong in the Balık family bloodlines. Their father taught them
to play the piano at age three, using colors to help them learn the
notes. The girls also reaped the benefits of a gifted uncle, who
was proficient at playing at least five different instruments and
composed the music that they grew up singing.
“
“
An artist has to set an example
in society ... We feel that more
artists should be involved in
social responsibility projects.
“We used to get together with our friends and perform plays and
concerts for our parents and their friends. So, we were very artistic
as kids,” said Sinem.
The Balık sisters officially began their careers in 2003, upon
graduating from the Prayner Conservatory in Vienna. Though they
currently reside in Vienna, the twins remain firmly rooted in their
Turkish heritage. They hope that, through their gifts and international
renown, that they are able to promote their homeland while abroad.
“We have been living in Vienna for the past nine years, but we have
noticed that bringing your own heritage to an international career
makes a big difference,” explained Sinem. “When we have faced
difficulties over the years, we remind ourselves that we represent
Turkey, and this gives us the extra will to succeed.”
16 | Opera
Didem continued, “We have Mediterranean voices that are warm
and emotional, like the Turkish people. We usually sing the music
of international composers such as Rossini, Mozart and Verdi. But
we also try to include Turkish composers because the melody and
the rhythm of Turkish music are really interesting for international
opera lovers.”
The sisters hope that by performing their native music they are able
to help audiences better understand the Turkish people. They have
made it their personal mission to promote composers and music
from Turkey, calling this their “artistic responsibility.”
“An artist has to set an example in society. We have to be careful in
our personal lives as much as in our professional lives,” said Didem.
“We feel that more artists should be involved in social responsibility
projects.”
“We make sure to take part in social responsibility projects, and
we perform free of charge for different causes, including children
and education, in both Turkey and throughout Europe,” continued
Sinem. “Right now we are working on projects for the 2010 Istanbul
Cultural Capital of Europe event, as well as projects on representing
Turkey internationally and various university concerts in Turkey.”
In the world of opera, singing identical twins are somewhat of
an anomaly. Didem is considered a soprano, while Sinem is a
mezzo soprano. This slight difference in pitch allows the sisters to
perfectly blend their complementary voices, something that is often
challenging for many artists who perform duets.
“There are hundreds of thousands of sopranos and mezzo
sopranos in opera today,” said Sinem. “According to what we’ve
been told, we are the second set of twins in the history of opera
who are identical but have different types of singing voices. So this
is unique.”
“We have a sound that complements each other, and the audience
finds this very interesting visually as well,” said Didem.
Though they have performed on some of the world’s most famous
stages with legendary opera singers, the twins still say that they
are happiest when performing with each other. Their careers are
irrevocably intertwined, as their unique vocal blend and identical
appearance have been the keys to their illustrious career. Sinem
and Didem are the first to admit the secret to their success:
“We complete each other.”
Opera | 17
Take a
hot spot to go. Five people. Five lattes.
One superfast 3G mobile hot spot. So everyone can get
online from the car, the airport, almost anywhere. MiFi ™
from Sprint. It’s Now to go. Only on the Now Network.™
1-800-SPRINT-1 sprint.com/mifi
Drives better than you
© 2009 Nokia.
Nokia 2730 classic
MiFi ™ 2200 by Novatel Wireless
3G connectivity | share picures via Ovi, Facebook,
MMS, Email and Bluetooth | nokia.com/sharing
18 | Opera
Pictures get us talking
Coverage not available everywhere. The 3G Sprint Mobile Broadband Network reaches over 253 million people. Offer not available in all markets/retail locations or for all devices/networks. Other restrictions apply. See store or
sprint.com for details. ©2009 Sprint. Sprint and the logo are trademarks of Sprint. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Opera | 19
With the re-emergence of words such as
“budgets” and “savings plans” in our everyday
vocabularies, you may find yourself racking
your brain for new ways to save. Though new
technology is often synonymous with high cost,
there are several devices and software on the
market to help you reduce spending and stay
on budget.
02 VOIP
Voice over IP (VoIP) has reached the masses,
and more people than ever are avoiding landlines
and turning to their broadband connection when
placing a call. Skype is a popular VoIP technology that allows you to call computer-to-computer
at absolutely no cost. Find out more about Skype
at www.skype.com or search the Web for “VoIP”
to find loads of alternatives.
01 OPERA MINI
5
ways to
save with
technology
20 | Opera
When the mobile-phone bills get out of control, but you just cannot give up Facebook while
on-the-go, Opera Mini is here to keep you connected and in control. This free mobile-phone
browser reduces the amount of data that is sent to your phone during a mobile-surfing
session. The result is faster browsing and less waiting, as pages load much more quickly
when you download less data. To get Opera Mini on your mobile phone, go to www.opera.
com/mini/.
03 FREE SOFTWARE
Anyone who has ever bought a computer knows that stocking that empty
machine with the necessary software can get expensive. What your friendly
salesperson neglected to tell you is that there are free, high-quality alternatives out there. For example, check out the AVG Anti-Virus software (http://
free.avg.com), Open Office (www.openoffice.org) suite and the Ubuntu
operating system (www.ubuntu.com) to break the chains tying you to that
overpriced software.
04 SMART POWER STRIPS
Stop sucking up power and invest in this socket
board for all your computer equipment, including
PC, monitor, speakers and printer. Just plug your
devices in and, when you shut your computer
off, the board will cut power to all the peripheral
devices that continue to draw electricity while
on standby. Smart Power Strips are reasonably
priced, and manufacturers claim that they pay for
themselves within a few weeks. Who would not
love reducing their power bill while staying environmentally friendly? It is a win-win!
05 RESIDENTIAL WINDMILLS
Though the initial cost is high (upwards of $5,000), residential windmills
are a long-term investment for reducing your power bills. By generating
your own wind power, you are putting electricity back into the grid through
your power box, essentially running your meter backwards when you are
not using power. Learn more about these windmills at http://www.skystreamenergy.com/.
Opera | 21
I AM A PIECE OF OPERA
AGATA CZAJKOWICZ
I am a QA Engineer. I spend my days
as a test manager for the BREW mobilephone platform, creating test cases and
documentation. My favorite part of my job
is analyzing bugs on Web pages, figuring
out the cause of the problem and getting
that problem fixed.
Engineering is in my blood. Half of the
people in my family are engineers, and I
have been in love with math and physics
since my childhood. When the time came, I
stayed in the “family business” and majored
in electronics at the Wroclaw University
of Technology. I soon discovered that
my talents were more inclined towards
computers than semiconductors and
integrated circuits.
I can not remember the last time I bought
a newspaper or magazine. I turn to the
Web to read the news, check the weather,
review TV listings and find out what is
playing at the theater. When it comes to
shopping, I frequently turn to www.allegro.
pl, a popular Polish auction portal.
I escape to a fantasy world as often as I
can. When I am not busy looking for bugs, I
love to immerse myself in sci-fi and fantasy
books. Nothing makes my day like the disarming wit of Terry Pratchett’s “Discworld”
series.
22 | Opera
I truly believe that there is no place like
home. I have visited many Polish cities, but
none compares to Wroclaw. Its beauty is
incomparable to any other city in Poland,
in my opinion. When visiting my hometown,
be sure to sample Paczki, the delicious Polish doughnuts – my favorite.
I am doing what I love to do. Every day I
get to work alongside people who are engaged and passionate about what we do.
Going into the office is more like spending
time on a college campus than clocking in
hours at an actual company. We cooperate,
challenge each other and have a lot of fun
in the process.
I am Agata Czajkowicz, and I am a piece
of Opera.
“
Every day I get to work
alongside people who
are engaged and passionate about what we
do.
Photography © Paulina Kolondra
All my life I have loved solving problems
and figuring out how things work. I now
find myself in a job where I do just that. I
am one of the lucky few who has turned
a passion into a career. I have been an
employee of Opera Software since 2006,
and each day I go to work knowing that
I will get something fixed.
If I ever need a laugh, I turn to Dilbert.
I visit www.dilbert.com daily. These comic
strips masterfully show the everyday absurdity of corporate life.
“
AGATA CZAJKOWICZ, QA ENGINEER,
POLAND
Opera | 23
THE MAGIC OF
Neil
Gaiman
INTERVIEWED BY THOMAS FORD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIN E. YAEGER
Opera Magazine talks to the Web-savvy sci-fi writer about
his blog, his Web browser, his online faux pas and the
wizardry of technology today.
Neil Gaiman must be a magician. His recent novel, The Graveyard Book, opens with a
knifing of a family and tells the story of a boy raised in a cemetery. Yet, despite this nontraditional children’s storyline–or perhaps because of it–his novel was recently honored
with the Newbery Medal, one of the most coveted awards in children’s literature.
The stars indeed have aligned for Gaiman. His career has proven both versatile and
successful. He has written comic books, including the epic Sandman series. He has
authored short stories, novels, poems, and screenplays. Along the way, he has picked up
not only the Newbery, but also numerous Hugo and Nebula awards for science fiction and
fantasy writing, as well as many other awards.
These days, Gaiman seems equally prolific on the Web. He is easily accessible to his fans
both through his frequently updated blog, at neilgaiman.com and through short missives
and replies to the nearly 900,000 people who follow him on Twitter.
24 | Opera
Opera | 25
Gaiman first started his blog while working on his fourth prose
novel, American Gods. “My blog was a way of taking people
behind the scenes of American Gods, allowing them to watch what
happens as a book unfolds,” he explains. Rather than creating it as
a channel for self-expression or self-indulgence, “the blog had to
have a reason to exist.”
With its stated mission accomplished, Gaiman had every intention
of ending it. However, upon returning home after three months on
the road promoting American Gods, he found that the world had
changed instead. The attacks of September 11, 2001, forced him
to reconsider his plans.
“
“I couldn’t do it,” he says. “I couldn’t stop at that point because
it was something people liked. Stopping them would have been
wrong.”
“
My blog was a way of taking
people behind the scenes
of American Gods, allowing
them to watch what happens
as a book unfolds.
From that moment, the behind-the-scenes blog for American
Gods became Gaiman’s personal journal. “I’m a terrible diarist,”
he confesses. But with his reconstituted blog came a new resolve.
“I’m going to keep it up as a journal and I’ll stop when I’m done.”
Fortunately, for his legion of fans, Gaiman is not done. Perhaps not
even close. In the eight years that have passed, he has updated
his journal almost daily. During that time, he has divulged various
details of his personal life with his readers. “If you are going to blog
daily for eight years, huge quantities of your daily life will creep in
there.”
ON THE WEB, THERE IS NO PRIVATE
But in this age of openness, where public sharing outweighs private
introspection, just how open is Gaiman? After all, he is armed
with not only a blog, but also his Twitter account with more 5,000
posts, or “tweets” in Twitter-parlance. “From my perspective, I’m
not transparent,” he claims. “I make conscious decisions on what I
choose to share and communicate.”
Despite his careful public posts, Gaiman has been inadvertently
stung by some of his online comments. One such moment came
recently when, upon winning the Newbery, he used a series
of colorful words to express his excitement on Twitter. Rather
than reference his carefully composed speech from the awards
ceremony, his spur-of-the-moment comment on Twitter became
the story. “Major newspapers were looking at my Twitter feeds and
I was called ‘a foul-mouthed yahoo’ in the School Library Journal.”
The incident caught him off-guard. “I was thinking of Twitter as a
26 | Opera
closed thing, not as this public way of announcing things to the
world,” he says. “People have to realize there is no private. If it’s on
the Web, it’s absolutely public,” he cautions.
EXISTING ON THE WEB, BEFORE THE WEB
While he may create more on the Web today, measured in greater
quantity or even greater intimacy than before, Gaiman has enjoyed
a long history on the Web. He has been around the Web since the
first flickerings of CompuServe and GEnie. “I existed on the Web
before there was a Web,” he says. The statement comes not as a
boast, but with the measured tone of an observer; someone who
has seen technology come, and, in many cases, go.
“I see Twitter as a direct descendant of the early days of CompuServe
or even bulletin boards. BBSs back in the 80s ... things you could
access through 375-baud modems,” he observes.
In those early online communities, he was quite prolific. Sadly, some
of that writing has now been lost. “I was very sad when GEnie not
only vanished, but had taken all of its archives with it.”
It seems almost unthinkable today for massive archives of anything
to disappear from the Web. We expect permanence. We have
portability now, aided by the rise of cloud computing. Old domains
may die, but their data live on.
For Gaiman, though, the loss was immense. “I had probably
100,000 words of really interesting stuff, and it’s all gone.”
While online communities have come and gone, one thing has
remained constant in his journey: his browser. Gaiman retains
Opera in his Web-browsing arsenal to take care of some of the
“heavy lifting” while online.
“It’s my secret weapon and my workhorse,” he says, explaining
that he trusts it above other browsers when fans and friends send
him links to unknown places. Rather than clicking defenseless,
he uses Opera for its cookie control and its strong security track
record. It is his guardian in a thorny online world.
THE WIZARDRY OF THE WEB
Despite missteps with Twitter, lost archives and random links,
Gaiman has received far more from the Web than it has taken.
“
GIVING IT A REASON TO EXIST
When he wrote Anansi Boys, the novel following his widely
successful American Gods, he struggled to find the voice. For
Gaiman, this is the critical step in his creative process. Find it, and
the writing becomes easier. But the right voice was elusive.
“
Opera is my secret weapon
and my workhorse.
After many rounds of experimentation, it finally dawned on him.
The voice of his novel was his blog. It was “chatty,” as he describes
it. His blog, nearly abandoned with the previous book, helped him
turn Anansi Boys from an idea into a New York Times Best Seller,
debuting on the list at number one.
Both his books and the technology he uses every day, be it
blogs, social networks or browsers, have one connection: each
possesses at its core a creative spark that helps make the unreal
into something quite real. For Gaiman, the source of creation
“has a lot to do with confidence, and a lot to do with how you’re
describing the world.”
While his tools may be different than Gandalf’s staff or Harry Potter’s
wand, Neil Gaiman is a magician, albeit one for our times. His
gift is the ability to transform our quotidian reality into something
extraordinary.
And Gaiman sees this magic in abundance. Like Arthur C. Clarke,
who once noted that “Any sufficiently advanced technology is
indistinguishable from magic,” Gaiman believes that “technology
has moved so deeply into magic that we are in a whole new world
now. Three clicks yesterday, and I had sheets and blankets sent to
a house in remotest Scotland.”
NEIL GAIMAN
FACTS:
Born: November 10, 1960
Lives: Minnesota
Blog: neilgaiman.com/
journal
Twitter: @neilhimself
Coming soon: Odd and
the Frost Giants, to be
available in the United
States in early September
“If you think about standard wizardry, things people have talked
about for thousands of years, we’re there now,” he explains. “With
the press of a switch we illuminate dark rooms. With the Web, and
the strangeness of the Web, we are able to do almost anything.”
“Ours is a world filled with miracles.”
Opera | 27
“
“
Technology has moved so deeply
into magic that we are in a whole
new world now.
28 | Opera
A SELECTION OF NOVELS BY NEIL GAIMAN:
Good Omens co-written with
Terry Pratchett
(1990)
Stardust (1999)
American Gods
- (2001)
Coraline (2002)
- co-written with
Dave McKean
(ill.)
Anansi Boys (2005)
The Graveyard
Book - (2008)
Opera | 29
QUIZ
WHAT TYPE OF DEVICE ARE YOU?
On the road to self-discovery, you may often have pondered the
question, “If I were a device, what type of device would I be?” Whether
you have mulled over this very question, Opera Magazine will help
you find the answer.
Select the answer that best fits your personality:
1
You have just been assigned to give a big presentation at work. To prepare, you:
a.
A
get a group of friends together and make your presentation homework a fun, playful social evening.
b.
B
gather the latest and greatest tools of technology and prepare a sleek, stylish presentation that is sure to wow your audience.
c.
C
take the laid back approach, as slowly, but surely, always wins the race.
d.
D
you start multi–tasking, simulta-
neously researching, gathering
information and designing your presentation template. Efficiency is the name of your game.
2
It is time to junk your old car and start shopping for a new one. You find that the car that best suits your needs is:
4
A
a group trip to an amusement park, with food, fun and rides all day long.
b.
B
a trip to a metropolitan center, five-
star hotel with all the amenities plus first-class entertainment.
Your dream vacation is:
C
c.
camping.
d.
D
wherever your family wants to goI just want everyone to be happy.
a.
A
enjoy the unexpected adventure and have fun.
B
b.
What I do not get lost.
c.
C
just pull over and go to sleep until someone finds you.
d.
D
always be prepared. With maps and
your emergency kit in tow, you can
get out of any jam in a jiffy.
b.
B
a sophisticated black sports car–only top-of-the-line will do.
6
C
Who cares? My bike will work just fine.
A
the latest light-hearted movie–no blood and gore for you.
dD
a versatile convertible, adapting to your needs as the weather
changes.
b.
B
the most recent, critically acclaimed film to come out of the Cannes Film Festival.
a.
A
are the life of the party; people are drawn to you because of your enter-
taining nature.
b.
B
are a fountain of information, chat-
ting with friends about the latest news, trends and places to eat.
c.
C
avoid big crowds and prefer
relaxing at home on the couch
with your loyal buddy.
D
always try to make sure that
everyone is having a good time.
30 | Opera
You are a Nintendo Wii! You are a fun,
playful individual who knows how to have
a good time. Everyone loves you, and you
excel at keeping people entertained.
Out on the road, you get lost.
You are most likely to:
a sporty little car to zip around town in for all your social engagements.
3
Mostly As
5
a.
A
When out with a big group of people you typically:
Results
If you answered …
Mostly Bs
You are an ARCHOS portable media
player! You are sleek, stylish and full of
relevant information. Quality is of the
utmost importance to you, and you tend to
appreciate the finer things in life.
The type of movie that you are most likely to see is:
c.C
whatever is free on TV.
d.
D
the latest box-office hit that everyone else wants to see.
Mostly Cs
You are a Commodore 64! Though a bit
out-of-date and old-fashioned, your slow
and laid-back approach can still get the job
done. People tend to shy away from you,
but you are a classic who simply wants to
sit back and enjoy life.
Mostly Ds
You are a Sony Ericsson Xperia! With
a lifestyle that seems to revolve around
pleasing people, you have developed a
flexible and adaptable nature. You are a
multi tasker at heart and are always ready
and willing to meet the needs of others.
Opera | 31
Surf the whole internet on your phone
with web'n'walk!
32 | Opera
Opera | 33
OPERA FASHION
The fragrant, green grass of Petrin Park
provides ample cushion for denim-draped
legs. It is time to relax amid the city’s finest
gardens and give friends a window into an
ever-so-peaceful Prague.
Czech chic
In Prague, fashion is about more than what you wear. Being fashionforward is about staying connected. No one knows better than the Czechs
that technology is the ultimate accessory.
Photography by Dennison Bertram • Devices by BlackBerry, MSI, Nokia, Sony Ericsson • Software by Opera
34 | Opera
Opera | 35
OPERA FASHION
See and be seen in a Prague café. Cappuccino, cotton twill and the Prague Post make
up the new power breakfast.
36 | Opera
Love is in the air at Prague’s central station.
Yellow is the color of the season, capturing the
effervescence of the moment, while the little,
black handheld takes center stage.
Opera | 37
OPERA FASHION
Lounging in Prague’s Petrin Park demands casual chic.
Pair a collared cotton pique with a sleek, stylish laptop
for a relaxed Web-surfing session.
Another couple has found its way to a grassy
spot in Petrin Park. This fashion season
empowers the people to wear their stripes
proudly, both online and offline.
38 | Opera
Opera | 39
OPERA FASHION
The best things in life are shared with others.
Friends and travel are a winning combination,
while easy cotton coordinates are best when onthe-go in Prague’s central station. The phone is
a girl’s best friend when venturing through the
Czech Republic, providing schedules, weather
updates and endless hours of enjoyment.
Opera goes to
Prague
When it was time to determine the destination
for the next Opera photo shoot, no other
city seemed to compare with the allure of
Prague. A city of history and legend, merged
with modern-day convenience, proved the
perfect setting.
UNCOVER THE ESSENCE OF PRAGUE
Opera Software opened its Prague office in 2008, after a few determined Opera employees
proved the need for a Czech location. Now nestled in a part of the city called New Town,
Opera’s quaint “attic” office consists of a cozy 11 employees, beautiful views and an ample
supply of free fruit. Opera Prague is situated next to the historic New Town Hall and is
within walking distance of the transport hub Charles Square. To help Opera friends and
fans alike fulfill their Prague ambitions, we have prepared a helpful travel guide for the
journey ahead.
A VERY BRIEF HISTORY
After centuries of struggle, Prague has emerged as a 600-year-old masterpiece of the
past and present. The Czech capital, often called the “Golden city of 100 spires” and
“Symphony in stone”, has witnessed religious wars, invasion by Swedes, Nazi occupation,
Communist rule and even massive flooding that threatened the city’s most treasured sites.
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 ignited the Velvet Revolution in the former Czechoslovakia, ending a long and wearisome struggle for independence. Through it all, the surviving
city of Prague is a triumph in art, architecture and culture and is currently classified as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is a political and cultural metropolis, alive and
thriving with more than one million residents. It has long served as a hotspot for tourists
on their European vacation agendas, and the city never fails to strike awe and amazement
among those fortunate enough to visit. When traveling through Prague, tourists can easily be overwhelmed by all the “must-see” spots. To make it easier to navigate through the
palaces, bridges and works of art, Opera Magazine gives you the rundown on the best of
the “typical tourist” hotspots, as well as a few sites off the tourist’s beaten path.
40 | Opera
Opera | 41
TRAVEL
THE GUIDE TO PRAGUE
TOURIST TRAPS
Though “tourist trap” often has a
negative connotation, Prague’s most
visited sites are traps that you want to
be caught in! Here are a few of Opera
Magazine’s favorite places in Prague:
1. PRAGUE CASTLE
Prague Castle – This is said to be one of the
contributing factors to Prague’s rise to power, as
it is situated at the crossroads of the European
trading routes. Though countless renovations
and reconstructions have contributed to the face
of the castle today, experts say that it was likely
founded as early as the year 880 AD by Prince
Borivoj, one of the first Czech rulers. The castle has served as the seat of the Czech nation
and the official royal residence over the ages. It
is considered to be the largest castle complex
in the world, comprised of over 70,000 square
meters.
2. PETRIN HILL & OBSERVATION TOWER
Petrin Hill & Observation Tower – The Eiffel Tower in miniature, the 60-meter-tall Petrin Tower
gives visitors a birds-eye view of the entire city
of Prague. The tower is set among the scenic
gardens that grace Petrin Hill. Climbing the hill
and the tower is no easy feat, but a funicular is
available to avoid the sometimes slippery ascent.
3. CHARLES BRIDGE
Charles Bridge – As one of the most photographed places in Prague, every tourist goes
home with a picture from Charles Bridge. The
bridge once served as the only means of crossing the Vltava river and bore the important responsibility of connecting the Old Town to other
parts of the city. It was built by its namesake,
King Charles IV, and was completed by the early
1400s. Along the bridge reside 30 saints, carved
in stone, watching over travelers and locals alike,
as they cross the Vltava.
4. WENCESLAS SQUARE
Wenceslas Square – A cultural and commercial
center in Prague, Wenceslas Square is flanked
by the likes of the National Museum, hotel
chains and fast-food restaurants, making for a
hodge-podge of art, history, traffic and neon.
Named for Saint Wenceslas, the square has
played an integral role in Prague’s past. It has
served as the scene for political upheaval, mass
demonstrations and rallies, making Wenceslas
Square a place where history has been and
continues to be made.
Get inspired in
the city of spires
42 | Opera
5. OLD TOWN SQUARE
Old Town Square – Located in the Old Town
quarter of Prague, the Old Town Square is
best known for its astronomical clock and the
memorial to Jan Hus. The Prague astronomical
clock or Orloj is located on the southern side of
the Old Town City Hall and dates back to 1410.
It provides hourly entertainment with its moving
sculptures and astronomical symbols. The Jan
Hus memorial is dedicated to Jan Hus, a priest,
philosopher and scholar, burned at the stake for
heresy in the 15th century.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Okay, so you do not find many locals
hanging at the Prague Castle … so
what should you do if you really want
to get an authentic taste of Praha?
Check out a few of the city’s “best kept
secrets” to delve a bit deeper on your
sightseeing mission.
1. THE OPERA
The Opera – Whether it is the latest staging of Carmen or Don Giovanni, chances
are you can see it live in Prague at one of the
city’s many theaters. Prague prides itself on
its world-renowned performers and extensive opera repertoire. You will find Prague
opera-goers decked out in their finest on any
evening of the week, swept up in the melodic
telling of these centuries-old tales.
2. SPARTA SOCCER MATCH
As the most popular soccer team in the Czech
Republic, Sparta Prague is considered to be one
of the most successful teams in Central Europe.
The team sports an impressive roster and a
fanatic local following. So do as the locals, do
and cheer on Sparta!
3. STREET FOOD
Street food – Sample a bite of smažený sýr, a
popular Czech street food. This local favorite
consists of a piece of deep-fried cheese, usually
Edam, with a side of tartar sauce. Fast-food
joints will typically serve smažený sýr on a bun.
4. THE PRAGUE FRINGE FESTIVAL
Each May, art abounds at the Prague Fringe
Festival. With over 200 performances varying
from music to comedy, Fringe is designed to
entertain and enlighten. The festival has been
called a marathon of theater, enticing people
to travel from far and wide to partake in the
festivities.
5. PRAGUE ZOO
Prague Zoo – It has Komodo dragons. Need we
say more? This dangerous reptile is known for
poisoning the blood of its prey, but not to worry;
the Prague Zoo has them under wraps and ready
for visitors. This zoo is also home to the famous
Tatu gorilla, hippos, giraffes, tigers and even
Leopard tortoises.
TIPS FROM THE LOCALS
Opera Magazine asked renowned photographer Dennison Bertram to share a
few of his Prague favorites.
1.THE BEST IN CZECH CUISINE
To get a real Czech-food experience, find the
closest hospoda or bar. Hospodas are traditional
food and drink locales, filled with liter upon liter of
pivo (the Czech word for “beer”). For those who
are smoke-sensitive, be forewarned: hospodas
tend to get very smoky long before dinner is
served. To dine with the locals, check out “Potrefena Husa”, a chain of hospodas part-owned
by a major beer brewery. A “Potrefena Husa”
hospoda can be found in nearly every neighborhood throughout Prague. Be sure to sample
tasty Czech delights such as gulas, svickova and
fried cheese.
2. THE COOLEST CLUB
Blue Light - Josefská 1, Praha 1
See and be seen at Blue Light, one of Prague’s
hotspots for anyone who is anyone in the film,
production, fashion and advertising industries.
Blue Light is abuzz any night of the week, and it
is almost always the last stop after a long night of
partying in Prague. Whether it is celebrity spotting or high-level wheeling and dealing you want,
Blue Light is definitely where it is at in Prague.
3. WHERE TO GET THE CHEAPEST BEER
Bukowski’s - Bořivojova 86 or Akropolis,
Kubelíkova 27.
Unfortunately, beer is cheaper outside Prague.
Prices in tourist areas are incredibly high, compared to the rest of the city. The best bet for finding normal prices and meeting true Prague residents is to visit a bar in the Zizkov neighborhood.
Be sure to stop by Bukowski’s.
4. BEST PICNIC SPOT
Petrin Hill
When it comes to picnics, nothing compares to
the grassy oasis that is Petrin Hill. This park area
looms over the city and is located adjacent to
the beautiful Prague Castle. It offers a great view
of the city, while providing much-needed shade
in the form of a large, fruit-tree grove. All summer long, fresh fruit, such as cherries and pears,
are ripe for the picking. So grab a blanket and a
book, and head to Petrin Hill for a bit of relaxation
and rejuvenation.
5. BEST CONCERT PLACE
Roxy - Dlouhá 731/33
Roxy is one of Prague’s most famous places for
events. It is a large venue that is open every night
of the week, and it offers a nice, mixed crowd of
tourists and locals. Though entrance fees can be
pricey at Roxy, every Monday night you can enjoy
the music at no charge!
6. BEST OFFICE SPACE
Opera Software International - Karlovo nám. 24
This Opera Software satellite office is located in
the heart of Prague, in an historic building next to
the New Town Hall. It is within walking distance
to most places of interest and conveniently situated near all forms of public transport available at
Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí).
Opera | 43
TRENDWATCH
Nintendo DSi: Two screens are too fun to leave the
Web in just one! With a hyper-responsive touchscreen, Web pages glide and zoom in one window,
while you have the full page in view in the other.
When you take a time-out from gaming, you can
get back to business or just connect with the world
from this stylish, handheld game console with Opera
preinstalled.
Philips NET TV: Sofa surfing is a guilty pleasure we all deserve after
a long day at a desk. With the Philips NET TV preloaded with Opera,
you can sit back and relax while watching YouTube or visiting your
favorite sites from the comfort of your living room. Popcorn and soda
not included.
YOUR GUIDE TO A
WEB-ENABLED WORLD
Samsung Instinct HD from Sprint:
It is the ultimate touchscreen experience. Fly through the Web with
Opera Mobile, pan and zoom for
better viewing and enjoy desktop
favorites such as tabs, bookmarks
and password manager. With HD
in its name, you have got to expect
a first-rate HD camera and camcorder to make the Instinct a
must-have tech accessory.
ORANGE TABBEE FAMILY ORGANIZER: Get
organized with the Tabbee Internet Tablet from
Orange. With a few taps of the finger, this portable
Web hub lets you check weather, news, sports, or
even play online games with the easy convenience
of Opera Widgets. It is a one-stop entertainment
and organization device that the whole family will be
fighting over.
2009 Ford F-150: We knew Fords were “built tough”, but with Ford Work Solutions, which
features an in-dash computer with Opera, they are also “built smart”. Ford Work Solutions
powers trucks and vans as mega mobile-offices for the workforce or as the ultimate cabin
for the traveler.
44 | Opera
Opera | 45
MEET ASUS
Staying connected across
the spectrum
OPERA MAGAZINE TALKS TO ASUS
ASUS is an IT-industry powerhouse that both enables and drives innovation in every
aspect of technology in which ASUS is involved. Both visibly in their consumer products
and behind-the-scenes with components used in their own and other manufacturers’
devices, ASUS technology is helping to keep people—and devices—connected.
The ASUS reach across a wide spectrum of devices dovetails
nicely with the Opera philosophy to deliver the full Web and its possibilities on any device and ultimately to enable connectivity among
devices that will drive the connected-life concept.
One of ASUS’s latest innovations, the Garmin-Asus nüvifone M20,
is one example of ASUS’s leadership as a connected-life enabler.
Creating products that keep people connected both at home and
on the go, ASUS is positioned as a go-to technology provider for
the connected lifestyle. The nüvifone M20, which promises to be an
all-in-one phone “for the location-based life”, is one such product
within the ASUS range that puts freedom and mobility front and
center.
Opera Magazine (OM): Could you give a brief history of ASUS?
ASUS: ASUS is a major player in the IT industry and has over 16
product lines including servers, notebooks, handhelds, network
devices, broadband communications, LCD monitors, and wireless
applications. The ASUS Eee PC, an ultramobile PC noted for its
combination of being lightweight and its affordability, is recognized
worldwide. In 2007, one in three desktop PCs sold worldwide was
powered by an ASUS motherboard. We have an unyielding commitment to innovation and quality, which has led to international
industry awards and top rankings for services and quality among
business publications.
Expanding our reach, ASUS is a rising contender in the design,
manufacture and distribution of mobile phones. We have successfully launched phones in 20 countries with major operators. Our
telecom-industry footprint has grown significantly since the company introduced its first PDA and mobile phone in 2003. In 2009,
we joined with Garmin, the global leader in satellite navigation, to
bring to market several Garmin-ASUS nüvifone models, the world’s
best integrated and most compelling, GPS-enabled mobile device.
OM: What were some of the driving factors in ASUS and Opera
becoming partners? What has Opera been able to provide for
ASUS?
ASUS: ASUS is committed to providing users with stylish, easy-touse, location-centric mobile devices that offer the highest degree of
quality, reliability, innovation and performance while delivering value
to enhance people’s lives. We believe Opera has the same goal as
well, delivering an easy-to-use browser that we consider to be a
valuable addition to our M20.
OM: Can you talk about some of focus areas of ASUS’s innovations, for example, its drive to create notebook products
that are, as the ASUS Web site boasts, “the stuff of legends”,
excelling in even the hardest material conditions. What inspired this “at the ends of the earth and beyond” idea?
ASUS: ASUS has always placed a huge emphasis on innovation.
Actually innovation is one of our core values. Employees are encouraged to strive for technological and aesthetic perfection in
everything they do. They are expected to put themselves in customers’ shoes in order to create more value. ASUS employees are
also required to apply “Green-Light/Red-Light” thinking to each
situation. Green-Light thinking involves brainstorming, where every
idea and proposal is sent to a ‘pool’ from which the best solution
is eventually drawn. Red-Light thinking, on the other hand, involves
constant questioning and adopting a cautious attitude toward every proposal in order to siphon out the root cause of problems and
46 | Opera
then subsequently obtaining answers. Through such innovative
thinking and experimenting—while mindful of the need to meet and
exceed the user’s needs and expectations—employees can develop products that enhance the user’s overall product experience.
ASUS: In terms of smartphones, we believe it’s important to deliver
more intuitive, integrated, mobile devices to connect people, lives
and even places. That’s why we have launched a series of locationcentric mobile devices.
OM: How about the ASUS DNA—the core values and virtues?
How did ASUS ensure that they are reflected in ASUS innovations? Do these fundamental principles propel creativity and
development in the company?
OM: What is on the horizon for ASUS? What can consumers
look forward to seeing?
ASUS: The ASUS brand is founded on four core values known as
ASUS DNA. ASUS DNA comprises “the 5 ASUS Virtues of Humility,
Integrity, Diligence, Agility and Courage”, “Focus on Fundamentals
and Results”, “Innovation and Aesthetics” and “Lean Thinking”.
ASUS employees are encouraged to practice and develop these
four foundational “genes” in order to achieve our vision of turning ASUS into the world’s most admired leading enterprise in the
new digital era. Following these fundamental principles, employees
strive for technological and aesthetic perfection in everything they
do.
ASUS: ASUS will continue to pursue technological and aesthetic
perfection through continuous innovation. We will continue to develop products to create user experiences that transcend the norm.
OM: At Opera, we are thinking a lot about the connected-home
and connected-life concept—in which devices are connected
to the Web and often to each other. What is ASUS doing to
promote or enhance the connected life concept?
ASUS: ASUS has been developing many different product lines
that can help people to have a connected life. Take mobile phones
for instance ASUS has joined with Garmin to develop world-class,
LBS-centric mobile phones, which will enrich the mobile experiences of users through highly personalized, value-added, locationbased services.
We have just launched the Garmin-Asus nüvifone M20 in Asia and
expect to bring it to Europe soon. The nüvifone M20, the seamless integration of communication, connectivity and navigation, is
a great companion for on-the-go professionals who need a small
and sleek device with enterprise e-mail and robust entertainment
capabilities. Its 3.75G/WiFi/Bluetooth capability allows people to
stay connected wherever they are. Along with highly integrated
navigation and communication, points-of-interest searching, and
Ciao! community, M20 connects people virtually and physically.
OM: Continuing on the connected-life
idea, do you believe that ASUS strategies and/or products have changed because of convergence and the drive toward more integration and connectivity
among devices?
ASUS: Perhaps ASUS, having always been
on the cutting edge of product development
and having so many different product lines,
had already foreseen this kind of connectivity and planned for it. ASUS has been paying
close attention to this trend and delivered
many valuable products to better meet customer needs. Among many ongoing plans,
we are poised to capitalize on the growth of
the smartphone market.
OM: What are some of your insights
about the future—both in terms of ASUS’s
place in the connected-life future and in
the connected-life space in general?
nüvifone M20
Opera | 47
Back in 1994, when 640K Of RAM
was still enough for anybody
and beige was the new pink:
What the..??! You
mean I can‘t print a
Web page?
This browser is soooo
slow. Geir, we need to
build our own.
what’s the recipe for
a good browser? Web
standards, Speed, the
best features.
We can make a
better browser.
I admit I was
wrong... Here‘s
my resume.
If we build it,
users will come.
I wonder if these Opera
features will be standard
in all browsers?
Now in 2009, when 1GB of RAM
might be enough for someone
and brushed aluminum is the
new Beige:
CSS
Code is
universal,
but quality
is not.
Wow. We did it. We built
the best browser.
It‘s just you two?!?
How can you compete against
the big guys, like Mosaic?
Geir Ivarsoy
jon von
Tetzchner
(Laboring away furiously)
Hakon wium lie
I wonder if these new
Opera features will be
standard in all browsers?
Michael Vacik
IN 1994 THE LEGACY OF
OPERA BEGAN
48 | Opera
The story of the Opera browser just got the comic relief it needed.
Here is the tale of how an idea with humble beginnings blossomed
into the Opera browser you know today.
Opera | 49
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DISKJOKKE “Discolated (remixes 2007/2008) CD/DL
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TUSSLE “Cream Cuts” CD/DL
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MEANDERTHALS “Andromeda” 12”/DL
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KIM HIORTHØY, DISKJOKKE, KXP and more
www.smalltownsupersound.com
50 | Opera
Opera | 51
Opera Mobile
™
Inspiration comes in small packages
Get Opera Mobile today www.opera.com/mobile/
52 | Opera