Opera Introduces Opera Neon: A Revolutionary AI-Driven Web Browser

Opera Software has officially launched Opera Neon, a groundbreaking web browser that integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) agents aimed at transforming traditional web navigation. Announced on June 11, 2025, Opera Neon seeks to facilitate a new browsing experience characterized by what the company refers to as "agentic browsing." This innovative approach positions the browser not just as a passive tool but as an active participant in user tasks, capable of interpreting user intent, automating routine activities, and supporting creative workflows.

The development of Opera Neon has been in the works for several years, culminating in features designed to enhance user productivity. Central to Neon’s functionality are three core AI-driven agents: Chat, Do, and Make. The Chat agent allows users to engage with a conversational AI assistant embedded directly within the browser, enabling them to ask questions, retrieve information, and receive contextual summaries while browsing, thereby eliminating the need to switch between tabs or applications.

The Do agent, previously known as the Browser Operator, specializes in automating repetitive web tasks. It can autonomously fill out forms, search for travel bookings, and facilitate online purchases by interpreting the content and structures of webpages. One of the significant advantages of this feature is that all actions occur locally within the browser, thereby enhancing user privacy and reducing reliance on external servers.

The third agent, Make, introduces generative capabilities, allowing users to request the creation of websites, reports, code snippets, or visual assets. This function operates through a cloud-based virtual machine, which runs independently from the user's device, thereby enabling complex, asynchronous workflows that traditional browsers are not equipped to handle. This hybrid approach, employing both local and cloud-based processing, has raised questions among users regarding its operational dynamics. A user on X inquired, "Does the browser divide the AI agent into two operating modes? Can it be run locally or in a virtual machine?" Opera's technical documentation confirms that the system utilizes both on-device and cloud-based agents depending on task requirements.

Henrik Lexow, Senior AI Product Director at Opera, articulated the company’s vision for Neon as a collaborative platform that invites users to experiment and shape the future of browsing. “We see it as a collaborative platform to shape the next chapter of agentic browsing together with our community,” Lexow stated. The reception from the tech community has been overwhelmingly positive. Jitendra Gupta, a technical lead and AI enthusiast, remarked on LinkedIn, "Imagine your browser actually working for you instead of just waiting for commands. This feels like the start of a whole new era—Web 4.0—where our browser helps us think, create, and stay productive."

Opera Neon is currently available as a premium subscription product, with early access granted through a waitlist at operaneon.com. This launch marks a significant step in the evolution of web browsers, potentially redefining the landscape of online interaction by integrating AI directly into the browsing experience. Industry analysts suggest that this move may set a precedent for future developments in browser technology, pushing competitors to innovate in response.

In a broader context, the integration of AI into web browsing reflects ongoing trends in digital transformation across various sectors. As AI technologies continue to advance, their application in everyday tools is likely to increase, prompting discussions about the implications for privacy, user agency, and the overall digital landscape. As users become more accustomed to intelligent systems assisting them in their daily tasks, the expectations for future technology will undoubtedly evolve, requiring continuous adaptation from developers and companies alike. The implications of AI in web browsers extend beyond productivity; they raise critical questions regarding data security, ethical AI use, and the future of digital interactions in an increasingly automated world.