Opera has unveiled a version of its mobile browser, Opera Mini, that doesn't require Java for handsets running Windows Mobile 5 and 6.

Opera said Opera Mini for Windows Mobile includes all of the features available on other version of Opera Mini, such as tabbed browsing, the password manager, bookmarks and speed dial.

The mobile browser also comes with server-side compression that shrinks web pages by up to 90 percent before loading them on the device.

According to Opera, this results in significantly improved page-loading and speed, as well as reduced data costs when using pay-per-megabyte data plans or roaming.

"Windows Mobile deserves a mobile browser that looks better, handles better and delivers better than the default browser," said Dag Olav Norem, vice president of products, Opera Software.

"Even though Opera has 50 million satisfied Opera Mini users, we always seek ways to improve our browser for each and every mobile phone user out there. Now, we are pleased to offer the world's most popular mobile web browser as a native Windows Mobile application."

Opera Mini for Windows Mobile 5 and 6 can be download directly to handsets for free from Opera's dedicated website.