Facebook looking at buying Opera? I sure hope not!

[Shelded]

Originally Posted by steventay

so if FB buy Opera, you plan to move?

I don't want to make hypothetical threats. But I expect that would push me out. It might rip my family plan apart, however.

I had expected to exclusively use a mail client now that the old interface is gone; I unexpectedly got Android phone and use that throughout the day until I get home and do filing or composition in the web interface -- it's still faster to load than the mail client, and less impact on my RAM.

[steventay]

Originally Posted by Shelded

I don't want to make hypothetical threats. But I expect that would push me out. It might rip my family plan apart, however.

I had expected to exclusively use a mail client now that the old interface is gone; I unexpectedly got Android phone and use that throughout the day until I get home and do filing or composition in the web interface -- it's still faster to load than the mail client, and less impact on my RAM.

are you using yr own domain name or use fastmail.fm email address?

[ChinaLamb]

Originally Posted by steventay

so if FB buy Opera, you plan to move?

That is an old rumor that has nothing to back it up. You are posting these messages on multiple threads and I suggest you stop.

[steventay]

Originally Posted by ChinaLamb

That is an old rumor that has nothing to back it up. You are posting these messages on multiple threads and I suggest you stop.

i dont even know this rumor until i saw this thread.

so this thread should be closed?

[hobbes]

Just sayin'

Opera Founder Sells Controlling Shares, Could Pave Way For Acquisition

http://www.arcticstartup.com/2013/02...or-acquisition

...this year Opera will make a gradual transition to the WebKit engine, as well as Chromium, for most of its upcoming versions of browsers for smartphones and computers

http://www.opera.com/press/releases/2013/02/13/

UPDATE: I should add a bit of commentary here. The founder has previously expressed his views against acquisition and has stated his desire for long-term development.

With the move to webkit, that "long term development" no longer appears to be required - at least for the rendering engine. He's also placed himself in a position where he can longer prevent aquisition.

[David]

Interesting - this should start off some new rumbles

[Terry]

Yes I agree....

[drew]

Keep us informed guys

And most of all. What would it means
if it really happen? what other changes?

[hobbes]

Well, for starters, Facebook would be buying Opera for "Opera Mobile", not for a desktop web browser with less than <2% reach, nor for a email messaging solution.

This is just my gut feeling, but I do wonder if the excruciatingly slow development of the new UI is a reflection a "wait and see" policy to Opera's fate. For a company who spits out updates to their browser fairly regularly, there does appear to be a distinct lack of resource put behind FM, judging by the slow progress of development and support issues. Either that or FM has to fund itself out of its own sales, so that FM appears as a separate account entity (ie easier to cut off after an acquisition, or for any other reason).

[NumberSix]

This is all very disturbing. I need to start making transition plans immediately

[FredOnline]

You wouldn't think they have access to the www in The Village - an INTRANET yes, but . . .

[ChinaLamb]

Originally Posted by David

Interesting - this should start off some new rumbles

Sure there will be lots of posts, but panicing is never the best response. I'll watch and wait.

[krimlin]

Do you think Opera would still buy other companies if they were about to be bought themselves?

http://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/0...browser-maker/

[hobbes]

Originally Posted by krimlin

Do you think Opera would still buy other companies if they were about to be bought themselves?

http://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/0...browser-maker/

What are you talking about? Skyfire adds very useful functionality to mobile browsing - which is the exact part of Opera that interests Facebook: mobile web. Surely, Opera is now even more desirable for any company wanting to dominate in the mobile browsing area?

And, also note that that Skyfire will remain an independent entity as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Opera - easily cast-off if required.

[Bamb0]

Originally Posted by hobbes

Well, for starters, Facebook would be buying Opera for "Opera Mobile", not for a desktop web browser with less than <2% reach, nor for a email messaging solution.

Ahhhhhh but they would LOVE getting thier hands on everyone on fastmail who isnt on FB!!