MediaTek Chips Will Double Data Allowances With Opera Max Compression

Mobile processor manufacturer MediaTek is to integrate data compression software from Opera into its Systems-on-a-chip (SoC), allowing Android smartphone users to consume double the amount of data included in their mobile tariffs.

Opera Max compresses text, images and videos by up to 50 percent and an application allows users to monitor and manage data consumption on a dashboard and to adjust connectivity settings so they are not hit by high roaming charges when travelling abroad.

MediaTek Opera Max

“As mobile consumption grows with new data-hungry apps and mobile videos, compressing mobile data is more important than ever,” said Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software. “Opera has been a leader in mobile data compression for almost a decade, bringing millions of people online by lowering the barriers for accessing and enjoying the web.

The first MediaTek SoCs to ship with the software are the 64-bit LTE SoCs MT6752 and MT6732 chips and the Taiwanese firm hopes the functionality will increase smartphone adoption and boost its market share in the “super” mid-range market.

“This partnership validates MediaTek’s commitment to developing powerful and affordable chipsets to help manufacturers spur smartphone adoption in the Super-mid market,” says Jeffrey Ju, General Manager of the MediaTek Smartphone Business Unit. “We want consumers to fully enjoy the 4G LTE multimedia experience while minimizing data costs associated with powerful smartphones.”

MediaTek is supplying chips for the Android One programme, which offers manufacturers a choice of pre-approved components and a set of minimum specifications for mid-range smartphones. Android One is targeting emerging markets with the first handsets targeted at India.

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