As reported first on Opera Watch, Opera 8.51 has been released to Opera’s public FTP servers. Keep in mind, even though the file is there it is only official once Opera Software announces it. They have pulled versions from the FTP server in the past, so use at your own risk. 
Considering that this is a very minor version change, the new version probably addresses only a few bugs and possibility a security issue or two. We’ll know for sure if and when a change log is provided.
Also, Opera Watch is reporting that download rates of the Opera Web Browser have doubled since it went free a few months back. According to OW, the current download rate of the desktop browser stands at 80,000 – 100,000 per day, and more than 5.5 million users have downloaded the Opera browser since removing the ads.
Tags: Opera