The desktop browser world has been dominated by big tech companies and their default apps. While this might be convenient at first, it heavily undermines users’ freedom of choice. Nevertheless, there is no lack of options when it comes to internet browsers, so you are better off being informed about what else is out there.
Opera is a global web innovator that has developed a top-of-the-line desktop browser that fits the needs of millions of users on a daily basis. As the only one of the original internet browsers left standing, the Norwegian challenger offers a clever alternative that beats its competitors through superior privacy and security features, including a free, built-in VPN, as well as the free browser AI, Aria.
If you are looking for a browser with superior features, privacy and security, a convenient set-up, and want to use AI on a daily basis, read on!
An integrated AI experience with Aria browser AI
Opera has developed a native browser AI called Aria, which comes integrated in the browser’s sidebar (we’ll get into that later), or the Aria Command Line which you can access through the shortcut Ctrl + / on Windows, and Cmd + / on Mac. Aria comes embedded into the browser for free, which allows you to unleash the power of artificial intelligence while browsing the web.
Based on Opera’s own Composer AI engine, Aria leverages the power of Open AI’s GPT technology with additional capabilities, such as live results from the web. You can ask this up-to-date AI for help with almost anything you might need: drafting a report, summarizing an article, translating a document – even help with planning a trip!
Although Aria is fundamentally text-oriented, it’s not just limited to regular text. Let’s say you are looking for help with programming – Aria can answer your prompts by generating source code. The resulting code will have a specific style depending on the chosen programming language. You can also request Aria to present information in a table format, giving you data in a clear and organized way. Aria is also a browser expert, familiar with Opera’s entire product suite.
Aria helps you connect to the world better thanks to its wide reach – spanning over 180 countries and 50+ languages – as well as its cross-platform compatibility. Whether you want to browse on Windows, Linux, or macOS, you can always access Aria. You can also access it on your mobile device, be it Android or iOS. This exciting browser AI has even more features up its sleeve that we encourage you to try out by yourself.
Privacy & Security
You want to be protected and secure when you’re browsing, especially if you are using public WiFi. Whether working from a café, a hotel, or on the go, there’s always some risk on public networks. It’s not surprising, then, that an internet browser that secures your connection and allows you to navigate privately is a key concern for many users according to a survey conducted by Opera*. It’s also one of the main reasons users switch browsers.
To keep up with your privacy needs, Opera’s browser includes a free, built-in VPN that can be upgraded to the Pro version to secure the whole device. Opera’s VPN does not keep logs – which means that nobody’s keeping tabs on your online activity. There’s no need to go through the hassle of downloading an additional program, firing up a launcher, or opening a separate app – just open your browser. To activate the VPN feature, click on settings, scroll down and click advanced, then you will be able to turn it on. Once activated, all you have to do to turn it on and off is click a button in your address bar.
Opera improves your privacy and security by protecting the traffic coming in and out of the browser and blocking cookies that would follow you around the internet. Even if your local network is unprotected, you can still browse privately thanks to the encrypted connection between your browser and the Opera VPN server. This encryption hides your browsing activities from other users on the same network. Upgrading the VPN to the Pro version will give your whole device this degree of protection.
You deserve to browse undisturbed by ads
Online ads can be intrusive and annoying. They can pop up out of nowhere and distract you from whatever it is you’re doing. Worse, ads can also be malicious or intrusive in their tracking and data collection. Although not all ads are annoying – some might even be interesting for you – we believe that having an ad blocker is a must when online.
With Opera One you get fully integrated ad and tracker blockers that will ensure a more secure experience on the internet. It has been designed so that you can be in total control, and you can easily whitelist any website you want in order to allow for ads on it. Additionally, you can also allow for Acceptable Ads, which allow for non-intrusive ad formats and helps generate revenue for content creators. It gives you control over the ads that you want to see, and protects you from malicious ones.
The Potential of Multithreaded Compositor Architecture & Modular Design
Imagine your browser as a stage manager responsible for a complex theater production. In a traditional browser, this stage manager handles everything on their own: directing actors (web page elements and code interpretation), arranging props (layout), and choreographing special effects (UI animations and transitions). When the production gets busy it can mean delays, choppy transitions, and a frustrating experience for the audience.
Modern websites are like productions, constantly adding new effects and visuals that a traditional stage manager would struggle to keep up with. Opera One’s multithreaded compositor is like introducing a dedicated special effects team for the theater production! This team focuses solely on the smooth execution of animations, transitions, and other visual effects of the UI. Freed of a significant burden, the stage manager can just focus on coordinating the overall production (web page rendering) while the UI visual effects run independently, without interruption. The result? An incredibly responsive and fluid User Interface that keeps up with the demands of modern websites.
This architecture has helped Opera bring Modular Design to the browser, manifesting in one of its signature features: Tab Islands. They are Opera One’s tab management feature that grants you the ability to maintain your browser organized by automatically grouping new tabs into islands. They allow you to organize your work and keep only what is important at hand, without losing what you want to keep for later.
Additionally, the Opera browser has a sidebar that allows you to have quick and convenient access to Aria, messaging and social media Apps such as Messenger, WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and more. On top of that, you also get access to a media player for uninterrupted music streaming.
The architecture of the browser allows it to do much more than just to be fast: it unleashes the full capabilities of Modular Design and enables the user to enjoy an experience beyond that of a simple browser.
Integration With Other Devices
A browser becomes more than just a browser when it makes your life easier, and having one that can integrate your navigation experience across devices definitely fits the bill. Being able to transfer content across devices is essential, be it a document, a link, an image, your beautiful thoughts, or even just a meme that you want to keep for later.
Opera has a feature called My Flow – a secure, encrypted space that seamlessly connects your Opera browsers across multiple devices. It allows you to easily share files, links, notes, and more, keeping everything organized and accessible on all your connected devices. Content sent through My Flow displays helpful information about the originating device, and you can conveniently play videos and audio files directly within My Flow or choose to open them in a new tab.
My Flow can be accessed Across every platform – Desktop and Mobile. When activated, this feature will appear in the sidebar of your Desktop browser to give you quick access to your Flow of ideas. To link it with your mobile Opera browser simply click on its arrowhead-like icon on the sidebar and scan the QR code with your phone.
Join the Opera Experience
Now that you’re equipped to make a more informed choice about your online experience, we encourage you to try Opera One and benefit from all the features that you can get with it. Download Opera One today!
*The survey was conducted by Opera between 21st and 23th of February, 2024, via Pollfish. The overall number of respondents is 4000 people with 1000 participants in each market.The target population was identified as 18-54 years old, all genders, located in Germany, France, Poland, and Spain.
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