Opera Software acquires app store solutions firm Handster

Opera Software has acquired Handster, which supplies app store services and support to operators, platform providers and manufacturers including MTS, Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Huawei and LG. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Handster brings with it a large independent Android content library as well as a white-label app store platform, developer tools and services targeting content management, content curation and financial settlement requirements. In addition to Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android, the Handster platform supports Java, Symbian, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, netbook and tablet applications.

The Handster deal continues Opera's evolution from browser developer to fully-integrated mobile services firm. Its Opera Mobile Store, introduced in March, touts apps and content specific to each consumer's specific mobile device, local market and currency. The storefront (built in association with white-label storefront solutions provider Appia) spans more than 200 countries and every mobile platform, offering both premium and free applications. Although the store is a featured Speed Dial link on the Opera Mini and Opera Mobile browsers, it is also accessible across devices running non-Opera browsers.

Developers earn 70 percent of net revenues generated via the Opera Mobile Store. Late last month, Opera partnered with mobile payment and analytics firm Bango to introduce new purchase and billing options--Opera Mini and Opera Mobile browser users may now buy apps and premium in-app content from the store, and then charge the transaction to their credit card or monthly carrier bill. Close to 122 million mobile subscribers worldwide accessed Opera Mini in July 2011, browsing more than 74.0 billion pages.

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