Opera Unveils AI-Powered Browser Neon, Set to Automate Web Tasks and Write Code Offline

Opera's new AI-powered browser, Opera Neon, aims to transform the way we interact with the internet by automating various tasks on our behalf. Described by the Norwegian tech company as an "agentic browser," Opera Neon leverages contextual awareness and advanced AI to perform research, build projects, and design content, all without direct user intervention. Back in 2017, Opera introduced a browser named Neon that didn't gain traction. This time, the company hopes to capitalize on recent advancements in AI to make a more compelling impact. "We’re at a point where AI can fundamentally change the way we use the internet and perform all sorts of tasks in the browser," said Henrik Lexow, Opera's senior AI product director, in a press release. "Opera Neon brings this to our users’ fingertips." One of the most intriguing features of Opera Neon is its AI engine, which is designed to understand and interpret user requests and execute them using cloud-based AI agents. This engine can create games, write reports, generate code snippets, and even develop websites. It continues working on these tasks even when the user is offline, offering a level of convenience and efficiency previously unseen in web browsers. While specific details about the launch date and pricing remain sparse, Opera Neon is positioned as a premium subscription product. The company has not provided a firm timeline for its release, though interested users can sign up for the waitlist on their website. Opera Neon includes several AI-driven tools that are similar to those found in Microsoft's Copilot and OpenAI's Operator. Through a chatbot interface, users can search the web, answer questions, and access contextual information from the current webpage. Additionally, Opera reintroduced an AI Agent first unveiled in March under the name "Browser Operator." This tool automates routine tasks like online shopping, filling out forms, and booking events or accommodations. Unlike some other AI tools, Opera emphasizes that the Browser Operator interacts with web content locally, enhancing privacy and security. Opera Neon joins the company's lineup of specialized browsers, making it the fifth in the series. Earlier this year, Opera launched a mindfulness-focused browser called Air. The real-world capabilities of Opera Neon will become clearer once it enters beta testing, but until then, the tech community is left to speculate based on the promising descriptions provided by the company. Opera is known for pushing boundaries and introducing innovative features, and Opera Neon represents another step in that direction. If the browser lives up to its promises, it could redefine the user experience and make the internet more accessible and efficient. For now, the waitlist and future beta tests offer a glimpse into what this next-generation AI browser might deliver.