Sony puts Opera browser on Bravia HDTVs and Blu-ray players
updated 11:55 am EST, Wed January 19, 2011
Sony to put Opera onto BRAVIA HDTVs, Blu-rays
Sony and Opera, the web browser traditionally associated with mobile devices, have teamed up on a scheme to put the latter's software onto the former's Bravia HDTVs and Blu-ray players. The network-connected hardware would support some fledling Internet standards as a result, such as HTML5, HbbTV and OIPF. At the same time, it would offer users an option other than the Google TV platform that's being embedded into some Sony hardware.
The browsing is advanced enough to enable social networks, shopping and other apps that have sometimes been off-limits on the web. It remains to be seen whether Flash-based videos and games can be accessed as on a full-blown PC.
It's not known exactly when the first products with Opera built-in will begin shipping from Sony or what they will cost, though they will likely involve some of the CES 2011 lineup.
