# Opera’s AI Goals: How the Browser is Evolving Web Interactions
At the recent **Opera Browser Days** event held in Bristol, England, Opera, the renowned web browser developer, unveiled its latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and hinted at future features that may alter the way users engage with the web. With a commitment to improving user experience, Opera seeks to transform the browsing realm by integrating AI extensively into its platform.
## A Preview of Opera’s AI-Enabled Future
Joanna Czaja, the product director for Opera Browser, highlighted that the browsing experience is set to change dramatically over the next two years. Opera has already taken significant steps in this direction by becoming the first browser to implement **ChatGPT**, providing multi-LLM (large language model) options, and even rolling out local LLMs on its desktop application. These innovations represent the beginning, as Opera continues to explore the capabilities of AI within a web browser.
### Opera One R2: An Exciting Upcoming Update
One of the most awaited updates is the **Opera One R2**, which is scheduled for release in mid-October 2024. This update promises several thrilling features, such as:
– **Multimedia Playback Improvements**: Opera One will enhance user interaction with multimedia content, streamlining the management and enjoyment of videos, music, and other types of media.
– **Tab Management Innovations**: A new feature known as **Tab Emojis** will provide users with a more intuitive way to engage with their tabs. Additionally, a **split-screen mode** will allow users to view multiple tabs concurrently, boosting multitasking abilities.
– **Music Player Integration**: The Opera One browser will integrate popular music platforms like Spotify directly, enabling users to control their music from within their current tab.
– **AI-Enhanced Aria Assistant**: The integrated Aria assistant will feature AI-driven capabilities such as page context analysis, image recognition, and more. Aria will be equipped to offer insights and responses based on the content users are browsing, enhancing the interactivity and informativeness of their experience.
## Opera GX: A Gamer’s Dream
Opera is also aiming to elevate the experience for gamers through its **Opera GX** browser. Known for its features catering to gamers, Opera GX is on track to receive multiple updates that will increase its appeal to its focused audience:
– **Customization Options**: With more than 8,000 mods available, users can tailor their browser with live wallpapers, themes, and even unique sounds for the browser and keyboard. The addition of shader effects and a zoom feature will further improve the gaming experience.
– **Sidebar Integration**: Popular services like **Twitch** and **Discord** will be readily accessible from the sidebar, allowing gamers to remain connected while gaming or streaming content.
– **Fake History Feature**: This innovation will assist users in safeguarding their privacy by generating fabricated browsing history, making it more difficult for trackers to follow their online habits.
## Privacy and Security: Opera’s Assurance
Opera has always championed user privacy, and the company remains dedicated to this goal with its **free VPN** service. A recent independent audit confirmed that Opera’s VPN follows stringent **no-log policies**, ensuring that users’ information is neither tracked nor stored. Additionally, Opera complies with the **General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)**, offering consistent privacy safeguards to all users across the globe.
### Adjustments Following the Digital Markets Act (DMA)
The **Digital Markets Act (DMA)**, which took effect in Europe, has brought about considerable modifications in the browser industry. Under the DMA, companies like Apple must allow third-party browsers to utilize their own engines instead of relying exclusively on Apple’s **WebKit**. However, many browsers, including Opera, have opted against developing their own engines due to the associated risks and expenses.
Jona Bolin, product manager for Opera on iOS, noted that while establishing a third-party engine could be advantageous, the risk of Apple altering the rules at any moment makes it a precarious investment. Nonetheless, Opera has witnessed a considerable uptick in users since the DMA’s implementation, with a **63% increase in monthly users** in Europe and a **146% rise in active users** in France.
## Opera’s Unique Advantage
In spite of the challenges from the DMA and competition from other browsers, Opera continues to stand out with distinctive features such as:
– **Free VPN**: An integrated VPN that ensures users can browse securely without concerns about their data being monitored.
– **Ad Blocker**: Opera’s ad-blocking function helps provide a cleaner, distraction-free browsing experience.
– **User-Friendly Design**: Opera’s sleek and intuitive interface facilitates easy navigation for users, whether they are browsing for professional, entertainment, or gaming purposes.
## Looking Forward: Anticipated Developments
As Opera advances in innovation, users can anticipate even more AI-driven features and improvements in the near future. With its
