Opera Software today launched a native version of Opera Mini 5 beta for Windows Mobile 5- and 6-based handsets.

By integrating Opera Mini with the Windows Mobile platform, Opera is able to deliver an optimized version of the Opera Mini browser. While Opera Mini traditionally requires Java, the new Windows Mobile version does not, which means that Opera Mini will work on any Windows Mobile phone.

The Opera Mini 5 beta for Windows Mobile includes the same feature set as the Java-based version. Features including tabbed browsing, the password manager, bookmarks and Speed Dial, are built-in.

One of Opera Mini's major benefits is that it compresses data traffic by up to 90 percent, resulting in significantly improved page-loading and speed, the company claims. This results in a reduced data load, which can translate to lower browsing costs when on a pay-per-MB data plan or when on expensive roaming.

Windows Mobile 5 and 6 users can download Opera Mini directly to their phone for free from m.opera.com/next/. Java is not required on the mobile phone for this download.