Browser giant swoops for white-label app store provider to boost its services roster.
Opera has achieved considerable success in the browser space, gathering over 100m users for its mobile-optimised Opera Mini product.
But the Norwegian firm has also been complementing its core product with services around mapping, news and of course apps.
In fact, it launched its own mobile app store, the Opera Mobile Store, in March. This is powered by Appia’s storefront technology, and offers apps based on iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Java and Symbian.
Presumably, the Handster acquisition will boost this catalogue and strengthen the offer when Opera takes its portfolio to OEMs and operators.
According to Research2Guidance, Handster hosts around 23,000 apps, with 2,500 more added each month.
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Its customers include MTS, Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Huawei and LG.
Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software, said: "Opera is evolving from being a browser company into a fully integrated mobile services company and this acquisition is an important step in that direction.
"We are delighted to welcome the Handster team into the Opera family. Handster will enable us to strengthen our mobile store offerings to consumers, mobile operators and handset manufacturers."
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