Opera has launched Opera Neon, an AI-centric browser currently in waitlist phase, positioning itself as a digital assistant that autonomously handles tasks like shopping, form completion, and even coding. Unlike traditional browsers, Neon integrates three core AI functions accessible via sidebar buttons: "Chat," "Do," and "Make."
The "Chat" feature functions as a conversational AI, answering queries and explaining webpage content. "Do" leverages Opera's previously announced Browser Operator AI agent, performing actions such as trip bookings directly within the browser. Most ambitiously, "Make" generates games, websites, code snippets, and reports using text prompts. Opera emphasizes that "Make" operates via cloud-based virtual machines, allowing offline task continuation and parallel processing.
However, Neon will require a paid subscription upon public release—details of which remain undisclosed. This monetization strategy raises questions about its value proposition, especially given the crowded field of AI browsers. Competitors like The Browser Company (developing an "AI agent" browser since late 2024) and Google (exploring AI-driven search and task automation) suggest a brewing battle for dominance.
While Opera's promises of seamless automation sound transformative, real-world execution remains uncertain. Historically, AI applications often struggle to match their theoretical capabilities. Success will depend on Neon's ability to reliably deliver complex workflows—like error-free coding or intuitive trip planning—amid growing skepticism about AI's practical limitations.
The browser's launch underscores a broader industry shift toward agent-based web interaction, where users delegate tasks rather than execute them manually. Yet whether consumers will pay for these features—and whether Neon can outperform rivals in accuracy and usability—will determine its place in the evolving landscape of AI-powered browsing.