In just two weeks since being launched on the iPhone, usage of Opera Mini surpassed 2.6 million people, and the mobile browser continues to be one of the most popular in the world with 58.9 million people singing its praises. Those nearly 60 million users also viewed in excess of 26 billion pages in April of this year alone, with an increase of 1.6 percent page views in March. That is actually greater than a 200 percent increase from a year ago.
The arrival of the browser on the iPhone also displaced the BlackBerry as the top platform for the app in the United States. Usage of the browser also pushed America from the number eight to number six spot for Opera Mini worldwide. Various BlackBerry models still account for six of the top 10 spots for handsets in the USA, suggesting that BlackBerry users really want to use a non-RIM browser!
Auto Shopping Goes to the Web
Whether you're looking to buy or sell a car, there are apps that can make it a bit easier. This past week Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new and used car information, released its first app for the iPhone. This free app offers information on Kelley Blue Book Values, and provides users with information for both new and used cars, including MSRP, invoice, new car blue book, certified pre-owned, suggested retail, private party and trade-in values.
If you're looking to lease a car instead of buy, this week the experts at LeaseTrader.com compiled the five best apps for car leasing. These can be very helpful should you need to use your car for your work. The apps include PocketWear, an app to help users understand leasing concepts and spot dealer abuses; Lease Meter, an app that can track your lease miles and potential end-of-lease penalty, and even adjusts to your driving habits and calculates the average miles you should drive to avoid excess miles at the end of the lease; Carticipate, an app that helps you find buddies to carpool with so you can keep the miles down; Viper SmartStart, a remote control app that lets you warm up or cool down your car prior to heading out; and VehiCal, an app to help you record and manage vehicle mileage and expenses for personal and business uses. The latter app lets you keep tabs on fuel efficiency and can aid you when it comes to providing information for your tax deductions, and it can even allow you to e-mail the information to your accountant, with selected entries by dates and categories.
After Hours Apps of the Week:
Kobo E-Reader for iPad - This week e-reader developer Kobo announced the release of an iPad version of its popular app. These regionalized apps feature local content, merchandizing and currency information for the specific area, and each app is pre-loaded with five free eBooks, with access to more than two million titles including current best sellers, classics and even thousands of free titles. The Kobo iPad app is available from the Apple App Store.
Wattpad Gets Upgraded - For those who like the social aspect of reading, the Wattpad e-reader app is the next best thing to a book club. With the latest update the app now allows users to use their iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad to vote and share comments and stories, and even socialize with other readers in the Wattpad community. Additionally, writers on Wattpad can add to their stories, post YouTube videos and even create multimedia e-books.
PikPok Kicks Off Some Football - If you like your football served up internationally (what is called soccer in America), you can kick off with Flick Kick Football for the iPhone and iPod Touch. With a launch price of just $0.99, it is puts you into the nostalgic classic age of football - ala, the 1970s! It will include a practice mode so you can hone your skills before jumping into sudden death and time attacks. This game kicks off later this month, and will be available from the Apple App Store.
Turn-Based Strategy for the Highborn - If you prefer a bit of strategy in your games, and like to think before you move, this new causal turn-based game will be just your speed. Highborn, which is available from the Apple App Store for $2.99 for the iPhone and iPod Touch, lets players take command of a fantastical army via an overhead view, before jumping into 3D combat. This offers both thought out play, and intense action that is truly the best of both worlds for strategy gaming.
Putting on the iPhone - Getting some air during the day, but don't have time to get out and hit the links? Even if you don't have time for a full virtual game of golf, Gigaputt for the iPhone (on sale now for $1.99 from the Apple App Store) will let you practice your putting. Best of all it uses a satellite map that transforms your real world location into a virtual putting green. So whether you've ever wondered if you could putt in Times Square or in the parking lot by the mall, this one will put you right on the green, and you'll never have to search for a lost ball again.
This story posted by LeaseTrader.com, the automotive service company that lets people transfer out of their Car Leases early. If you're looking to swap a lease or transfer out of your car lease, please visit www.leasetrader.com