Opera takes over ‘Netflix-like’ service for paid Android apps

Browser maker Opera has acquired a company for an undisclosed amount that offers a ‘Netflix-like’ service for paid Android apps. The acquisition means that Opera will instantly become a major player in South America.

The company that Opera is acquiring is called Bemobi. That offers a service where users can use unlimited paid Android apps for a weekly payment. Bemobi has approximately six million users in South America. They pay for the service through their phone bills.

Bemobi works with major telecom providers in South America. This means that Opera has become an important player in that market thanks to the takeover. The Norwegian software manufacturer hopes that this position will also enable it to better sell its own software, especially its browsers, in the region.

Opera also says that the acquisition will add value to its other services. The company introduced a similar model to Bemobi at the end of last year, in which it offers mobile providers the possibility to create their own app store, which users can subscribe to. For a weekly payment, users get access to all paid apps in the respective store.

Bemobi will remain in its current form and will continue to operate as a subsidiary of Opera, it was announced Friday. Opera says it can now offer a service for partners with the South American company, which makes it worthwhile to work with the company to offer products and services for mobile devices. The acquisition should be completed in the third quarter of this year.