Opera Software has announced partnerships with both Ford and Nintendo to provide browsing capabilities for users of Ford trucks and vans and Nintendo game consoles.
According to the partnership with Ford, owners of Ford F-150, Super Duty, E-Series and Transit Connect trucks and vans will now be able to access the full Web from the convenience of their vehicles, thanks to Opera and Ford Work Solutions. Opera will be the featured browser on Ford’s broadband-capable, in-dash computer.
With this technology, truck and van owners, particularly working users such as contractors, farmers, construction workers and business owners, will be able to use the in-dash Opera browser to access essential information and applications including sales information, contact databases, job-site plans, inventory lists, calendars, e-mail, or even the weather. The in-dash computer, combined with the Opera browser, Bluetooth printing capabilities, and other features transform Ford’s new lineup of trucks and vans into true mobile offices, Opera said.
“Opera’s vision has always been about giving people access to the full Web anytime, anywhere,” said Rod Hamlin, senior vice president Americas for Opera Software. “No example showcases this better than delivering a fast, feature-rich Web browser to a vehicle. This solution will allow Ford truck and van owners to maintain a virtual work environment with access to all of the important files, information and applications they need on a daily basis. “
Ford Work Solutions is a collection of factory-installed technologies-including “smart” features that provide full Internet connectivity, tool/inventory tracking, remote computer access, fleet management telematics and security to support Ford customers with mobile office and business needs, even on the job site.
The Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer is integrated into the vehicle’s center stack, filling the same space normally occupied by the standard radio. It is equipped with a 6.5-inch, high-resolution touch screen, four gigabytes of memory, a secure digital slot for added memory, a USB port and a wireless keyboard and mouse. A stylus, stored next to the CD slot, is included for use on the touch screen, as well as an available Ford-certified, on-board, Bluetooth-enabled, battery-powered inkjet printer.
All four Ford Work Solutions technologies, including the Opera browser, are available on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT trucks; F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks; and all 2009 E-Series vans. The 2010 Transit Connect van joins the lineup in mid-2009 and will be available with Ford Work Solutions in-dash offerings.
For more information, visit www.fordworksolutions.com.
Meanwhile, in time for the holidays, the Opera-powered Nintendo DSi will hit stores across Europe on April 3, 2009, and the United States on April 5, 2009. Together, Opera and Nintendo are transforming the way people access, experience and share content on the Web with the new Nintendo DSi. Available at absolutely no cost, the tailored Opera browser for Nintendo DSi, Nintendo DSi Browser, will be available for download from the Nintendo DSi Shop.
“Opera is excited to work with Nintendo to bring the easy and accessible way to browse the Internet to Nintendo DSi lovers across the globe,” said Jon von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software. “Nintendo will not accept any less than the best when it comes to their products, and we believe that the Nintendo DSi Browser definitely lives up to the Nintendo standard of quality and innovation.”
For more information, visit http://www.nintendodsi.com.