Key points
- Opera has launched a new AI-powered browser called Neon.
- The browser is designed to be an “agentic” assistant that can perform tasks on your behalf.
- Features include filling out forms, comparing data, and navigating web pages independently.
- All AI processing happens locally on the user’s device for better privacy.
Browser maker Opera launched a new AI-powered browser called Neon on Tuesday, joining the increasingly crowded race to create a web browser that does more than just display websites. The new browser is designed to be an active assistant, capable of executing tasks and even running code directly on web pages.
This marks a major shift in the browser wars. Companies are no longer just competing on speed or features; they’re trying to turn the browser into a smart productivity hub that can act on your behalf.
Perplexity AI and The Browser Company have already launched their own AI-powered browsers, and OpenAI is reportedly working on one as well.
So what can Neon do? Opera claims it can fill out forms, compare data across different websites, and even write code directly within the browser. A key feature, called “Neon Do,” enables the AI to navigate web pages on your behalf.
Another feature, called “Tasks,” creates specialized workspaces where the AI can analyze information from multiple sources simultaneously.
Opera is pitching Neon as a subscription product for “power users.” The company is also emphasizing its privacy-first design. All of Neon’s AI actions happen locally on your device, not in the cloud, which gives users more control and could be a major selling point in privacy-conscious markets like Europe.
