After several weeks of beta testing, Norwegian company Opera has released its latest web browser for iOS, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI).
The app for iPhone adopts a minimalist design, similar to its desktop counterpart, and intelligently hides unnecessary elements to provide a distraction-free browsing experience.
One of the standout features is its ability to hide both the top and bottom toolbars when scrolling vertically through long webpages, allowing for more screen space to display content. If needed, the toolbars can be brought back with a simple tap.
The search bar is now located at the bottom of the screen for easier access. It provides suggestions while typing, although in our experience, these suggestions may not always be highly accurate. In addition to the bottom search bar, users can switch to standard navigation or make use of the “Quick Action” button for faster operations.
A key feature of the new browser is its integration with Aria, Opera’s AI assistant. Aria can help with various tasks, such as web searches, text generation, and even image creation. Voice input is also supported, eliminating the need to type commands, which is particularly useful when on the go or when your hands are occupied. The AI can generate images via Google’s Imagen 2, producing photorealistic images of impressive quality that align well with the input prompts.
Additionally, Opera has introduced a new carousel on the home screen, designed to keep users informed without overwhelming the interface. This feature integrates news, live scores, and product recommendations directly into the background wallpaper. Other enhancements include a built-in ad blocker, a free VPN service, and multiple customization options for the browser’s theme.
This update brings a comprehensive, user-friendly experience with AI-driven features aimed at enhancing both functionality and convenience for iOS users.