Opera’s web browsing application for iOS is set to receive an AI assistant. The announcement made today indicates that Opera for iOS will now incorporate Aria, an AI browser tool developed in collaboration with OpenAI. This integration will be directly embedded within the web browser, and it comes at no cost for all users.
This AI solution had previously been introduced on the desktop version of Opera and also on Opera for Android, amassing over a million users. With the inclusion of iOS support, Aria will now be accessible on all major platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS, as the company highlights.
However, the use of Aria is at the discretion of individual users. Those interested in utilizing the AI service can choose to opt in; it will not be imposed on anyone. Upon opting in, Aria will offer a variety of intelligent insights and suggestions, along with responsive voice commands. Users will also need to log in to their Opera accounts to utilize Aria. If they don’t have an account, they can easily create one directly from the app.
Aria is built upon Opera’s proprietary “Composer” infrastructure and is connected with OpenAI’s GPT technology. This connection through Composer enables Aria to interface with multiple AI models. In the future, it is anticipated that Aria’s capabilities will expand to encompass search and AI services, including advancements in generative AI and other developments that Opera plans to introduce in due course.
Similar to other AI-based search companions, Opera on iOS features a chatbot-style interface. This enables users to pose questions and receive responses from Aria as an alternative to conducting traditional web searches for answers. The AI can be accessed from the “more” menu, located at the far right of the bottom navigation bar, within the Opera iOS application. Additionally, users have the option to verbally ask questions to Aria by tapping the microphone icon, foregoing the need for typing.
Following the announcement of Aria reaching a user base of one million last month, the company highlighted the influence of AI on its various metrics.
Lin Song, Opera’s co-CEO, remarked, “While we’re delighted by the initial adoption of Aria, we’re equally gratified by the depth of engagement users have displayed with this AI tool.” He added, “We’ve also observed an increase in overall time spent on the platform, accompanied by higher search volumes and pageviews per session.”
Aria does not mark the inaugural AI solution unveiled by Opera. The company previously launched AI Prompts, a functionality that empowered users to promptly initiate conversations with generative AI services. These services were enlisted to condense or elucidate articles, craft tweets, or solicit pertinent content based on chosen text.
Opera’s iOS application is accessible for complimentary download and encompasses other invaluable attributes, including integrated ad blocking, a complimentary VPN, tracking deterrence, a digital currency wallet, support for incognito browsing, and more.