On Tuesday, Opera unveiled its latest innovation, the AI-centric browser Neon, which is designed to enhance user experience through artificial intelligence. This groundbreaking browser allows users to create applications using AI prompts and provides a feature known as "cards" for generating repeatable prompts. With this release, Opera joins a dynamic group of companies, including Perplexity and The Browser Company, that are pioneering the concept of agentic browsers.
Opera first revealed its plans for Neon in May, initially offering it in a closed preview format. Now, the company is set to invite select individuals to explore the browser for a subscription fee of $19.99 per month. “We built Opera Neon for ourselves – and for everyone who uses AI extensively in their day-to-day. Today, we’re welcoming the first users who will help shape the future of agentic browsing with us,” stated Krystian Kolondra, EVP of Browsers at Opera.
Opera Neon presents several innovative features that set it apart from traditional browsers. One of its primary components is a standard chatbot that users can engage with to obtain answers to various questions. However, the standout feature is called Neon Do, which is designed to assist users in completing tasks efficiently. For example, Neon Do can summarize a Substack blog and share the summary directly to a Slack channel. Additionally, utilizing its understanding of your browsing history, the browser can retrieve information from a YouTube video you watched last week or a blog post you read yesterday.
Another exciting capability of Opera Neon is its ability to write snippets of code, which can be particularly beneficial for users looking to create visual reports containing tables and charts. While it remains unclear whether these mini-apps can be shared with others at this time, the browser offers a robust platform for individual users and developers alike.
Similar to the Skills feature found in The Browser Company’s Dia, Neon introduces a system of cards that allow users to build repeatable prompts. This functionality can be likened to IFTTT (If This Then That) for AI prompting. Users can combine different cards, such as “pull-details” and “comparison-table,” to formulate prompts that facilitate product comparisons across multiple tabs. Furthermore, users can create their own cards or utilize those developed by the community, enhancing collaborative opportunities.
Opera Neon also introduces an innovative organizational tool called Tasks, which acts as contained workspaces featuring AI chats and tabs. This new feature merges elements of Tab Groups and the workspace functionality seen in the Arc Browser, providing a unique context for AI interactions. During a demo, Opera showcased Neon’s capability to complete tasks, such as ordering groceries, illustrating its potential in practical applications.
While the demonstrations of Neon have been impressive, it is crucial to note that such showcases do not always accurately reflect real-world performance, especially concerning AI-driven products. As Opera Neon begins to roll out to users, it will be essential for the browser to validate its claims and deliver a seamless experience in everyday use.
With the launch of Opera Neon, the landscape of AI browsing is set to evolve, offering users advanced tools and functionalities that cater to their digital needs. As the first users start to explore this innovative platform, the future of agentic browsing appears promising.
