Get the WWW on the car dashboard

MOBILE

Consumers already enjoy the Internet on their computers, televisions, mobile phones, and tablets, and now the access to the Web’s endless content is picking up pace in one of the most beloved machines of all — the car.

The makers of the Opera web browser Opera Software, today announced the release of the Pioneer CarBrowser App powered by Opera Mini, available on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S and compatible with Pioneer’s AppRadio and AppRadio Mode featured in-car stereo systems. Combined with numerous Pioneer receiver models, the Pioneer CarBrowser provides complete in-vehicle access to the Internet.

Users can check restaurant reviews, compare prices at the mall, or reseach weather forecasts for future road-trips – all before leaving the driveway or parking lot. With the Pioneer CarBrowser, Internet contents are easily viewable on Pioneer’s large 6.1- or 7-inch touchscreen displays, and optimized for the in-car environment.

Opera Mini is the most popular mobile web browser, with more than 187 million users worldwide. Powered by Opera technology, the browser shrinks down webpages resulting in faster loading and savings on data charges. The Pioneer CarBrowser offers the same great performance as Opera Mini for smartphones and tablets, and with the Opera Link tool, users can also automatically sync their favorite websites from their computer or mobile device into the car.

“You no longer need to duct-tape your iPad to the dashboard to access the web while on the move,” said Frode Hernes, vice president of products for Connected Devices, Opera Software. “It is exciting to turn the mobile web browser into the automobile web browser. The Pioneer CarBrowser App powered by Opera Mini is an intuitive and responsive browser so you can get the information you need extremely fast and get you going on the road.”

In-car infotainment has come a long way since the introduction of the dashboard radio. Household technologies like the phone and TV have already been integrated into the car. Now the in-car experience has been further enhanced with the ability to access the web.

Although car manufacturers are aggressively offering limited in-vehicle access to the Internet through various apps, they’re generally “walled gardens”, and consumers are clamoring for a more open Internet experience. The Pioneer CarBrowser powered by Opera Mini provides the best Internet encounter with virtually no limitations. To ensure safety, the Pioneer CarBrowser can only be used when the vehicle is parked and the handbrake is fully engaged.

Opera Software also provides the web browsing capability for the in-dash computer system in Ford trucks and vans. Opera Mini shares many helpful features with Opera’s desktop web browser, including tabbed browsing, password manager and Speed Dial shortcuts.