Opera Unveils AI-Powered Browser Neon, Touting $20 Monthly Subscription

Opera has made its AI-powered browser, Neon, available to the public, requiring users to pay a monthly subscription fee of $19.90. The browser, which was first unveiled in May and launched in early access in October, integrates an AI chatbot into its interface, allowing users to ask questions about pages, create mini apps and videos, and perform tasks. The browser uses users' browsing history as context to provide more accurate and personalized results. According to Opera, the AI chatbot in Neon can be used to perform a variety of tasks, including fetching details from previously visited websites, such as YouTube videos or blog posts. Users can also create "Cards" for repeatable tasks using prompts, and the browser offers a "deep research agent" that can provide detailed information on any topic. Additionally, Neon features a new tab organizational feature called "Tasks," which allows users to create contained workspaces of AI chats and tabs. "We're excited to bring Neon to the public and see how users will utilize its AI capabilities," said a spokesperson for Opera. "Our goal is to make the browser experience more intuitive and efficient, and we believe Neon is a significant step in that direction." When asked about the subscription fee, the spokesperson noted that it will help Opera to continue developing and improving the browser. The development of AI-powered browsers like Neon has significant implications for society, particularly in terms of data privacy and security. As these browsers rely on users' browsing history to provide personalized results, there are concerns about how this data will be used and protected. "The use of AI in browsers raises important questions about data ownership and control," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert in AI ethics. "Users need to be aware of how their data is being used and take steps to protect their online privacy." Neon is not the only AI-powered browser on the market, with other companies such as Perplexity and OpenAI also developing similar products. However, Opera's approach to integrating AI into its browser is unique in that it uses users' browsing history as context to provide more accurate results. This approach has both benefits and drawbacks, with some users appreciating the personalized experience and others expressing concerns about data privacy. As of now, Neon is available for public download, and Opera is continuing to develop and improve the browser. The company has not announced any specific plans for future updates or features, but it is likely that Neon will continue to evolve and improve in the coming months.