Opera to become the first major browser with on-device AI through Local AI Models
In a pioneering move, Opera [NASDAQ: OPRA] is set to redefine the browsing experience by incorporating advanced on-device AI capabilities into its flagship browsers, Opera One and Opera GX. This exciting development, announced in April 2024, marks Opera as the first browser to support local AI models directly within the application, paving the way for enhanced user experiences and increased privacy.
A Leap Forward in Browser Technology
Opera’s initiative is part of its AI Feature Drops Program, which continually integrates the latest AI advancements into its browsers. The initial experimental release allowed users to access over 2000 local LLM (Large Language Model) variants from more than 60 model families. This innovation made Opera the first major browser to offer easy management and access to local AI models through built-in features.
Krystian Kolondra, EVP of Browsers and Gaming at Opera, emphasized the significance of this advancement: “Local AI developments in both hardware and software are currently a big focus in our industry. By moving our on-device browser AI function from the Opera Developer testbed to our flagship Opera One browser, we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible today and enabling new use cases, while adding an additional level of privacy for our users by limiting the need to transfer their personal data to servers.”
Expanding AI Capabilities
Opera’s AI, named Aria, recently gained the ability to understand images, a feature that allows users to upload images in the sidebar chat and ask questions about them. This capability provides detailed information and context about the images, further enhancing the browsing experience.
Opera’s commitment to innovation is supported by significant investments, such as deploying the NVIDIA H100 card-powered AI data cluster in Iceland. This supercomputer, ranked as the world’s 88th most powerful and run solely on green energy, underlines Opera’s dedication to providing cutting-edge AI solutions sustainably. Additionally, Opera’s collaboration with Google Cloud to integrate Gemini models into Aria exemplifies the strategic partnerships driving their AI advancements.
On-Device AI: A Game Changer
The integration of on-device AI models offers several benefits, including enhanced performance and improved privacy. By processing data locally, users’ personal information remains secure, reducing the risk of data breaches and enhancing user trust.
For independent agencies and advertisers, Opera’s new platform provides a streamlined, powerful tool to reach broader audiences on the open web. This democratizes access to sophisticated AI-driven insights, previously the domain of large-scale advertisers, and makes advanced marketing tools available to smaller players in the industry.
Opera’s Vision for the Future
Opera’s vision that soon all its users will be AI users is becoming a reality. The continuous rollout of innovative features through the AI Feature Drops program ensures that Opera stays at the forefront of browser technology, delivering unparalleled user experiences.
For more information about Opera’s groundbreaking new features and to download their browsers, visit opera.com.
Opera is a user-centric and innovative software company focused on delivering the best internet browsing experience across all devices. With hundreds of millions of users worldwide, Opera’s web browsers are renowned for their unique, secure features. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Opera is publicly listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol “OPRA”. Learn more about Opera at investor.opera.com and follow them on X @InvestorOpera.