Opera Software has released the beta version of Opera Mini 5.1 optimized for Symbian. The native version of Opera Mini for Symbian features all the Opera Mini elements, including Speed Dial for a user’s favorite websites, tabbed browsing and a striking user interface.

The Opera Mini 5.1 native beta comes with the following improvements to the Opera Mini browser on Nokia smartphones:

• Support for more devices
• Faster start-up time
• Improved page-load and scrolling performance, especially on older devices
• Full support for device text input methods
• Improved fonts
• Device integration for copy & paste, e-mail client and more
• Option to choose default access point, (the company promises ‘no more annoying dialogs’)

Previously, S60 handset owners were restricted to using the Java version of Opera Mini. The new version is apparently better integrated with other applications. It is available for free on more than 3000 different mobile phone models, in all markets. Available for download at http://m.opera.com/, the beta version will be available in English. It is expected to be released in other languages as well.