Opera browser introduces an AI assistant that manages online tasks on your behalf.

      Opera has introduced a new AI agent feature that aims to handle online tasks for you based on simple written instructions.

      If you're looking to book a flight but wish to avoid the hassle of comparing prices, just inform the bot of your preferred flight times, seating preferences, and budget, and it will work in the background while you continue with your activities. Once it’s finished, it will add the booking to your cart, allowing you to proceed with payment.

      Unlike current tools such as Google's AI assistant or ChatGPT, which assist in finding information by summarizing search results, answering queries, and recommending links, Opera’s AI agent conducts the browsing for you.

      Opera describes the tool—called Browser Operator—as heralding a “new paradigm” in the history of browsing.

      “For over 30 years, browsers have provided access to the web, but they have never been able to accomplish tasks on your behalf. Now they can,” stated Opera’s executive vice president, Krystian Kolondra. “This represents a departure from anything we have seen or delivered thus far.”

      However, the Browser Operator is not limited to shopping; it can also search the web for whatever you may need, potentially streamlining your time spent on routine tasks. Crucially, the tool includes built-in safeguards, allowing you to monitor its actions at each stage and easily pause or cancel any ongoing task.

      Opera asserts that its AI agent is the first agentic browsing feature introduced by a major browser, although significant AI companies are developing their own versions of similar systems.

      Last year, Anthropic released a “computer use” feature that enables its Claude chatbot to control your computer for browsing. OpenAI also launched a comparable feature—termed “Operator”—in January.

      However, these tools operate as virtual machines in the cloud, meaning they tend to be slower. In contrast, Opera's tool functions locally, directly on your browser, which may render it significantly faster and more secure.

      Unlike Claude or Operator, Opera’s agent does not take screenshots or record videos of your screen. By managing tasks locally, it ensures that user data stays on the device, enhancing privacy according to the company.

      Opera intends to release the full version of the Browser Operator in “the near future.” This tool is the latest addition in a series of AI advancements by the Norwegian firm. In 2023, Opera launched a fully AI-integrated browser, and the previous year, it became the first major browser to incorporate large language models (LLMs).