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Facebook buying Opera?
Facebook to acquire browser maker Opera? Maybe. Here’s what we know.
I doubt you'll get any official response here - after all, this is a user forum. When something actually does happen they'll be sure to tell us, but otherwise we don't know more than anyone else.
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25. May 2012, 19:33:13 (edited)
If Opera is eaten by Facebook, interesting indeed. If so, there goes privacy .
Opera buys AdMarvel to monetize advertising, of which Facebook is all about.
Opera buys Mobile Theory & 4th Screen to monetize advertising, of which Facebook is all about.
Opera kills Unite (file sharing), Facebook has Pipe.
Opera kills IRC, of which Facebook already has IRC.
Facebooks reduced IPO forecast due to challenge in mobile market, of which Opera has a stronghold (however, mobile Safari is eating into significantly, and without a direct hook, Opera mini can never be default iOS browser).
The US holds 2nd most shareholders of Opera currently. Time to watch Opera's stock jump.
Do you think Opera throws in the towel?
Cheers?
I am sure opera guys know that.
If opera doesn't send a single byte to facebook style servers or goes open source... What would change?
I like this browser so much (since 9 years), but when they get bought by Facebook I will use another browser...
The browser will have more resources, more compatibility and with the Opera-mini server-side compression technology being powered by the powerful Facebook servers would turn Opera in a powerful browser in both mobile and desktop.
Also the mobile Facebook will be fast and will consume less bandwidth. Everyone wins.
On the other hand, FB would instantly increase the profile of the browser and essentially force website writers to stop blocking, ignoring and discriminating against it.
A fairly reliable rule of thumb, however, is that consolidation kills choice - in more ways than one. Not only does variety decrease and uniformity increase, company size dictates that consumer input becomes essentially irrelevant as against market strategies, and the former state of affairs where a few of us could urge Opera developers to change tack and make a more consumer-friendly product, goes up in smoke. And really, Opera was, again, the last place where browser users had this degree of input and collaboration with developers.
Right now, we have a totally customizable browser, every element of which is lightweight, high-quality, and intuitive. I am concerned that acquisition by a bigger company would mean the end of all that, forever. I have tried to like other browsers and email apps, but simply cannot. They are all clunky crap as compared to my beloved Opera.
Whether via a EULA clause, a log-in/cookie nest, or outright feedback code in the browser itself, it would be extremely likely we'd eventually see the end of a user's experience of genuine browsing privacy should such an organization come into control of Opera. I, for one, will not go even one step down that path. The day (if there ever is that day) such an organization takes over Opera will be the last day I use it for any of my primary browsing on any of my systems. There are other choices. Much as I enjoy and prefer Opera's features, performance, and customizability, I use it for primary browsing because I trust it... and I'd sacrifice Opera if its foundational trustworthiness evaporated in a fog of corporate conflict-of-interest.
Perhaps such an arrangement with a suitor like Facebook is in Opera's financial interests. I understand that, and if I were a stockholder, perhaps I'd even desire it. But as a browser user, such an arrangement would be in direct opposition to my own privacy interests - and those are the interests that would drive my decision whether to continue using Opera.
26. May 2012, 01:08:51 (edited)
Originally posted by blackbird71:
At this point, what is in the public domain about such a buyout is pure speculation. What I do know is that organizations like Facebook, Google, and similar ones make their primary revenue from the collection, collation, and selling of user information and from selling ad-space (especially targeted ad-space). Putting such an organization in the driver's seat for the ongoing design of a web browser creates a powerful conflict of interest with a user's expectation of iron-clad browsing privacy.
Whether via a EULA clause, a log-in/cookie nest, or outright feedback code in the browser itself, it would be extremely likely we'd eventually see the end of a user's experience of genuine browsing privacy should such an organization come into control of Opera. I, for one, will not go even one step down that path. The day (if there ever is that day) such an organization takes over Opera will be the last day I use it for any of my primary browsing on any of my systems. There are other choices. Much as I enjoy and prefer Opera's features, performance, and customizability, I use it for primary browsing because I trust it... and I'd sacrifice Opera if its foundational trustworthiness evaporated in a fog of corporate conflict-of-interest.
Perhaps such an arrangement with a suitor like Facebook is in Opera's financial interests. I understand that, and if I were a stockholder, perhaps I'd even desire it. But as a browser user, such an arrangement would be in direct opposition to my own privacy interests - and those are the interests that would drive my decision whether to continue using Opera.
Well said
Interestingly, I've been receiving "You have more friends on Facebook than you think" spam in my opera account starting on April 3 and 3 more after that but this latest one went to my inbox and not the spam folder. I don't use facebook and if the rumour is true, I won't be using Opera
Originally posted by blackbird71:
At this point, what is in the public domain about such a buyout is pure speculation. What I do know is that organizations like Facebook, Google, and similar ones make their primary revenue from the collection, collation, and selling of user information and from selling ad-space (especially targeted ad-space). Putting such an organization in the driver's seat for the ongoing design of a web browser creates a powerful conflict of interest with a user's expectation of iron-clad browsing privacy.
Whether via a EULA clause, a log-in/cookie nest, or outright feedback code in the browser itself, it would be extremely likely we'd eventually see the end of a user's experience of genuine browsing privacy should such an organization come into control of Opera. I, for one, will not go even one step down that path. The day (if there ever is that day) such an organization takes over Opera will be the last day I use it for any of my primary browsing on any of my systems. There are other choices. Much as I enjoy and prefer Opera's features, performance, and customizability, I use it for primary browsing because I trust it... and I'd sacrifice Opera if its foundational trustworthiness evaporated in a fog of corporate conflict-of-interest.
Perhaps such an arrangement with a suitor like Facebook is in Opera's financial interests. I understand that, and if I were a stockholder, perhaps I'd even desire it. But as a browser user, such an arrangement would be in direct opposition to my own privacy interests - and those are the interests that would drive my decision whether to continue using Opera.
Totally agree on above...
Originally posted by gorg:
I hope this is not true. If Facebook buys Opera then I will have to stop using Opera after 13 years.
This will be the end for me as well. I'm already not happy to what they are doing to Unite.
However, I would feel differently if Facebook open-sourced the desktop Opera in a meaningful way, allowing for community improvement and forks. That, I might stick around for.
i've used opera for years and love it but facebook will ruin it for me sorry 26. May 2012, 08:34:44 (edited)
I'm not a member of Farcebook - I object to their parasitic business model; their tracking and monetising of friendships, and I'll avoid using Opera for the same reasons I don't currently use Chrome - I do not want my browsing to be tracked and monetized and I want absolutely nothing to do with that company.
I use it on my laptop, my desktop, and my work computer.
But there is no part of my conscience that would let me keep it on my computer if Facebook purchases it.
That company is a terrible violator of privacy and security. I want no part of it.
I hope the rumors are false, but if they are true, I will have to part ways with Opera.
That is a depressing thought.
Originally posted by DrywFiltiarn:
If it's going to be true that Facebook will be taking over Opera, that will certainly be the end of using Opera for me. Which is a real shame because I've found it the best browser for my needs since I've started using it back in the days of Opera 3.
Originally posted by blackbird71:
At this point, what is in the public domain about such a buyout is pure speculation. What I do know is that organizations like Facebook, Google, and similar ones make their primary revenue from the collection, collation, and selling of user information and from selling ad-space (especially targeted ad-space). Putting such an organization in the driver's seat for the ongoing design of a web browser creates a powerful conflict of interest with a user's expectation of iron-clad browsing privacy.
Whether via a EULA clause, a log-in/cookie nest, or outright feedback code in the browser itself, it would be extremely likely we'd eventually see the end of a user's experience of genuine browsing privacy should such an organization come into control of Opera. I, for one, will not go even one step down that path. The day (if there ever is that day) such an organization takes over Opera will be the last day I use it for any of my primary browsing on any of my systems. There are other choices. Much as I enjoy and prefer Opera's features, performance, and customizability, I use it for primary browsing because I trust it... and I'd sacrifice Opera if its foundational trustworthiness evaporated in a fog of corporate conflict-of-interest.
Perhaps such an arrangement with a suitor like Facebook is in Opera's financial interests. I understand that, and if I were a stockholder, perhaps I'd even desire it. But as a browser user, such an arrangement would be in direct opposition to my own privacy interests - and those are the interests that would drive my decision whether to continue using Opera.
Totally agree on above...
Second that. Well said blackbird71.
The second this happens I'm dropping Opera for Firefox. I love Opera, and I've been using it since the days it was a pay browser but there is literally no chance whatsoever Facebook buying Opera would be good for anyone except Facebook and it's most devote fans, and possibly Opera's finances.
since the last millenium i use opera. i still remember ad-banners on top.
it has the best layout management ever and the mail client is awesome as well. i love the mouse-gestures. the plugins of the other browsers cant keep up with that. and those are just a few reasons why i love opera.
but...
if zuckerberg owns opera, i am so out of here!
greetings,
kws
https://addons.opera.com/en/extensions/details/nooooooooooo/?display=en
I dont want opera to be owned by facebook.
Please opera just dont sold yourselves to them.
if they do..i think this will be the end for opera.
im hoping this isnt true.
AMD Atlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5000+
2.0 GB RAM
GeForce 9400 GT(301.42 Stable Driver)
All Latest Drivers and Latest Windows Updates.
Using 11.64(Stable) and Soon 12 Final when it release.
Then I'll try to make Chrome as much Opera like, as possible. I've tried it before, didn't work well. But will have to live with it now. All good things come to an end...
If FB makes an enticing offer, I suppose that selling Opera might be the best for the company, especially in terms of future market-shares (and thus site-compatibility, which would benefit users). Nevertheless, I'd choose to leave the browser in that event, because of the drawbacks coming along with it.
So I personally hope that this rumour turns out to be false, but I guess that's a decision everyone has to make for him-/herself.
i love opera so i hope the offer is better than what they offer with the app that let you take a picture and do something about it, i think opera deserve it that much!
i just hope that this is false, been waiting so long for opera 12.00.
Originally posted by 53north:
I've always harboured suspicions Opera HQ is a bit young, green and sheltered in the Scandinavian corner.
Racist nonsense.
Young? Opera has been around since the 1990s.
Sheltered? Opera is an international company with offices all over the world. Most employees probably aren't even Norwegian.
Quit it with those disgusting racist remarks!
Getting into the fray with the big boys, they might regret every minute.
Your ignorance is incredibly annoying. They've been getting into frays with big boys for years. Remember how they fought Microsoft and survived? Opera has been fighting off fierce competition for nearly two decades!
With solid long serving crew leaving Opera HQ, I hope the boys left in charge know to dip their toe in the water before jumping in. .
What does this even mean?
26. May 2012, 12:05:47 (edited)
There is no way that Facebook wouldn't compromise what Opera stands for.
If the problem is money:
- Please let me pay for Opera again. I did this before and I would do it again with joy and heartfelt thankfulness.
I actually never expected Opera to be free. And I think times are changing - people get used to pay for apps. - Another idea would be to follow the trend towards App-Stores and sell good plugins for Opera.
For as long as I can think I dream of an integrated Calendar/ToDo in Opera that is fully blending in like Sunbird (Lightning) in Thunderbolt.
Please let me pay for it.
Another one would be a good backup tool for Opera. Since Windows Vista, backing up Opera became a pain.
Or very small add-in functions for small amounts:
A button for each received mail to delete attachements - I often receive huge attachements, want to keep the mail for reference but not attachment. That's a functionality I miss from back in the medieval when I used Outlook.
And I'm sure there would be other opportunities for apps, plugins or specially designed skins etc.
I'm sure many people would be willing to invest in really well made stuff or even a bit more for something like the Calendar.
Yes, money is important, and without it a company can't survive, but Opera has much more to lose than to win.
Decades of building trust can be lost in a heartbeat and hardly ever gained again.
So if there is anything to the rumour:
Dear Opera, just don't do it.
Let your users help you instead, they are interested in what you already are and don't try to make you into something that you are not.
Cheers,
Tom
Originally posted by ThomasHelzle:
If the problem is money:
Opera has lots of cash, and is profitable with rising profits.
I'm thinking if Opera's purchased by Facebook, it could lead to more good things than bad ones. We'll get some more users from Facebook, our market share will increase, and more sites will be forced to have to work in Opera. Oh and Opera users won't be the only ones to benefit as well. Opera's revenue growth seems to be very stable. So I'm guessing Opera as a safe bet for any potential buyer.
Like many of you I've submitted a lot of bug reports over the years and feel like I've helped to improve Opera.
However, if this rumour turns out to be true, then it will be like losing a pet and there'll be only one more bug report from me.
I hope it doesn't have to come to that because I really love Opera.
While I understand the Pro-Arguments, with Facebooks history so far, I can't see anything good in such a takeover.
No, thanks, and if money isn't the problem, I simply don't see any point in it for Opera.
Cheers,
Tom
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