Microsoft is making Opera the default browser for its low-end phones

Browser-maker Opera has inked a licensing agreement with Microsoft that will see its browser become the default for all phones on Microsoft’s Series 30+, Series 40 and Asha software platforms. Windows Phone may be struggling to rival iOS and Android on market share but the Nokia brand, which Microsoft now owns, remains strong in the emerging world. We noted that when Microsoft launched the $25 Nokia 130 earlier this month, a move that signaled its intention to remain in the entry-level market because “Microsoft doesn’t have any other project that can reach these consumers.”

Norwegian software maker Opera signed a deal to take over the browser building unit of Microsoft’s Nokia mobile phone unit and reported second-quarter earnings above expectations on Thursday, sending it shares sharply higher. “We have signed a strategic licensing deal with Microsoft. We are basically taking over the browser building department in Nokia,” Opera Chief Executive Lars Boilsesen said. “This means that Opera Mini will become the default browser for Microsoft’s feature phone product lines and the Asha phones product lines.” The deal will be profitable from the start, he added. Opera shares rose 6.5 percent to 80.45 crowns a share by 0304 EST on the deal and the earnings report. “All the current user base will be encouraged to upgrade to Opera Mini and all the new phones will come with Opera Mini pre-installed as a default browser. This is a great deal for us. We have dreamed of this for more than 10 years.” In a separate statement, Opera said the licensing agreement applies to mobile phones based on the Series 30+, Series 40 and Asha software platforms.