My Opera Interviews

This was one of the most challenging (because of Opera Mini's text length limit), bun fun interview so far. We want you to meet Timm. He's a 19 year old Chinese boy who (almost) only use Opera Mini on My Opera. We had a chat with him about life, technology, and culture.

Could you please introduce yourself to the community?

Hi everyone, my name is Zhang Chi, in Chinese 张弛, while others know me as AzureTimm (for a detailed explanation what my name means you can read it here).

I'm a 19 year old Chinese boy. I'm about to start my education in Shanghai, at the Fudan University. I think It's hard to explain me with some mere adjectives, but I love biology and this is what (hopefully) will be my major. Besides that I love music (Mozart and Bach in particular). I have a huge fascination for everything organic.

When did you start using Opera Mini?

Last June. I discovered it in a Chinese forum. It was strongly recommended so I downloaded it. It turned out to be the wisest choice in my life! Well, maybe it's a bit of an overstatement, but you know what I mean.

What cell phone do you use?

I'm currently on a Nokia 6020. I'm planning to buy an N95 in August ... I'll be heading toward Shanghai for my upcoming university life around that time so I need something with a bit more power.

How has Opera Mini changed your everyday life?

I carry my phone everywhere, so I'm granted access to the Internet wherever I go! Every imaginable - in the bathroom, on a bus, on the way to school, during dinner, in a queue ... But most importantly, in class. I use my phone to google various facts. It has helped me a lot! And of course My Opera. I truly believe my English is in the top of my class because of my wonderful experience here, so thanks everyone!

What do you use Opera Mini for?

A lot of things (some stated above), but mostly for blogging, Google, Wikipedia, E-mail, reading, browsing for pictures, and so on.

What's your phone bill?

Surprisingly low! I came across a discount on a GPRS service. It's roughly 20 Chinese Yuan (about 2.7 USD, or 2.0 euro a month for 50MB!). It's enough for me and my family.

Did you write your own CSS using Opera Mini?

He he, no. I used Opera on my teacher's computer. I borrowed it and worked for an hour. The first result was terrible! I decided to put some effort into it because I love getting visitors to my blog. I knew most of them are on a desktop browser so I sat for three days straight working on the code. I was running from the school Internet bar to my teacher's office so I could get the work done. When I didn't have access to a PC I used Opera Mini to search for tips and tricks how I could improve my blog design.

How did you stumble over My Opera?

Well, it's a bookmark in Opera Mini, so I signed up while lying in bed. I guess things just have progressed from there (I'm currently NOT in bed ).

Why do you think My Opera is so popular among Chinese users?

It saves a LOT of traffic! Usually the amount of data transmitted by Opera Mini is one third of other mobile browsers I've tried. So people will naturally choose it. I've persuaded at least 5 other people to try and use Opera Mini. And let me just say: Opera Mini hasn't left their phone since.

What's your favorite feature on My Opera?

Comment watch. It's very convenient to keep track of things. Another feature I enjoy are how mobile friendly the blogging service is at My Opera.

What's your favorite group on My Opera?

Oh, Sorry, I'm not very into groups. But I quite like N+ (though I'm using a PSP)!

Who's your favorite blogger on My Opera (and why)?

Lokutus Prime! He has helped me through the first "lonely" days of blogging. He constantly encouraged me to blog, came with constructive suggestions, etc. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for having him in my friends list. He also writes wonderful poems and has beautiful photos.

What's your favorite photo album?

Hmmm, you know, Opera Mini on my 128x128 screen can't show me very good pictures. I usually don't visit people's photo albums. But Loku's album is well worth viewing.

Are you active in any groups here on My Opera?

No, I guess that's why I don't have many hits in my statistics, right?

I hope everyone can find happiness, friendship, and love here! My Opera Community, the place to be!

Regards, a boy walking home, Timm.