Opera Launches Innovative AI Assistant ‘Operator’ as It Approaches 30th Anniversary
As Opera nears its 30th anniversary, the trailblazing web browser company is commemorating the occasion with a daring advancement into the future of online browsing. At the recent Opera Browser Days event held in Lisbon, Portugal, the company revealed a range of new features across its browser collection — including Opera One, GX, Air, Mini, and their mobile iterations. However, the highlight of the event was certainly Operator, Opera’s new intelligent AI designed to transform user interaction with the internet.
What Is Opera’s Operator?
Operator is not merely another chatbot or search assistant. It represents an intelligent AI — a term signifying artificial intelligence that can undertake autonomous actions on behalf of the user. Unlike conventional AI tools that merely offer suggestions or generate content, Operator has the capability to actively manage the browser, explore websites, complete forms, and carry out tasks as instructed by the user.
This signifies a crucial evolution from passive browsing to an interactive, AI-driven experience where the browser acts as a proactive assistant.
Live Demo: AI in Action
During a live presentation at the event, Henrik Lexow, Director of Product Marketing Technologies at Opera, demonstrated Operator’s abilities by asking it to assist in planning a biking trip to Tuscany. After opening several tabs, he informed Operator, “I’m stuck. I need help to plan a trip to bike around.” The AI engaged by posing clarifying queries — destination, activities, and travel dates — and then went on to browse the internet, access a booking platform, and even choose travel dates (albeit with a minor initial error).
The most remarkable segment of the demonstration occurred when Lexow instructed Operator to purchase yellow flowers from a specific website and arrange for their delivery to a hotel. Operator skillfully navigated to the site, picked the flowers, filled in the delivery details, and set up the order — leaving Lexow with just one job: clicking the “Place Order” button.
This degree of automation, enabling AI to perform multi-step tasks across various websites, is unprecedented for mainstream web browsers.
A Step Toward Web 4.0
Opera envisions Operator as a critical step toward what it terms “Web 4.0” — a new phase of the internet where humans and machines work together seamlessly. This vision resonates with broader AI development trends, such as OpenAI’s GPT-4o, which seeks to blend text, image, and voice capabilities into a cohesive interface.
Joanna Czajka, Product Director of Opera PC Browsers, stressed that Operator is far from a mere novelty. “We’re fundamentally rethinking our approach to browsing,” she stated. Unlike some AI tools that depend on screenshots or server-side operations, Operator interprets and executes commands directly within the browser, providing a more secure and agile experience.
From Concept to Reality
Operator was initially hinted at during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, where Opera teased its forthcoming capabilities. In only a few months, the company has transformed that idea into a functioning feature, showcasing its dedication to innovation and user-focused design.
The swift development and rollout of Operator underline Opera’s responsiveness in the competitive browser landscape. While leaders like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge maintain dominance in user numbers, Opera is finding its niche by emphasizing intelligent, user-friendly features that redefine browser capabilities.
What’s Next for Opera?
As Opera continually enhances Operator, future updates might incorporate deeper connections with third-party services, voice command functionality, and tailored task automation. The company is also expected to broaden Operator’s reach across its entire browser ecosystem, including mobile and gaming-oriented versions like Opera GX.
With Operator, Opera is not only honoring its past — it’s forging an ambitious new path for the future of web browsing. As AI becomes more embedded in our everyday lives, tools such as Operator may soon become essential digital companions, revolutionizing the way we navigate, shop, plan, and engage online.
Conclusion
Opera’s Operator offers a glimpse into the browsing future — a future where the browser not only displays the web but actively assists users in navigating it. By merging advanced AI with a user-centric philosophy, Opera is positioning itself at the forefront of the next digital evolution. Whether you’re organizing a trip or sending flowers, your browser may soon be doing the heavy lifting — all thanks to Operator.
