Opera Has Added Artificial Intelligence Features (and a New Look) to Its IOS Browser
Opera introduces a new interface for iOS. On Tuesday, the company announced an updated iPhone browser, Opera One, that features both an updated user interface and new artificial intelligence features.
Let me say right away that one of the biggest changes to the browser is the placement of the address bar. It’s now at the bottom, in what Opera calls “bottom search.” It matches the default option in Safari iOS, and I can see why: It took me a while to get used to this arrangement, but I really like it now because it’s so easy to start a new search while holding the iPhone with one hand. .
While you can revert to the traditional UI with a search bar at the top of the display, you can also try out the new Quick Action Button mode, which replaces the bottom address bar with a single button. Holding it down will open a menu full of options: depending on how you swipe, you can search, open the main menu, open tabs, go back one page, add a new tab, or close the current window. .
No matter how you have your address bar configured, you can immediately start searching by swiping down the center of the screen. It’s a cool add-on that works just like launching Spotlight search on your iPhone’s home screen. If you are used to this action, you can translate it well into Opera.
You’ll also notice a more immersive page design as you scroll. Opera will match the color scheme of the site you’re on and hide the top and bottom menus as you move around the page.
Finally, there are artificial intelligence features. Opera now includes Aria, the company’s artificial intelligence, in its app. Aria acts like a traditional chatbot: you can chat with it, ask it to generate text, and even generate images using Google’s Imagen 2 model. But since Opera is a web browser, Aria can also be used for web searches and product comparisons. The bot also supports voice input, meaning you can talk to it directly if you wish.
When I tested Aria in a desktop browser, I found it relatively useful , so if you’re interested in AI features (especially when browsing the web), you might like Aria.
Opera on iOS is not really “Opera”.
Now a disclaimer: iOS browsers are not like desktop browsers. On your Mac or PC, you can choose any browser and get unique experiences based on that browser’s platform. However, on the iPhone, all browser apps must use WebKit, the platform on which Safari is built. Essentially, all iOS browsers are actually Safari, but with a different look and feel.
This doesn’t mean that third-party iOS browsers don’t have advantages. For example, Safari doesn’t have Opera’s AI features. (At least until Apple Intelligence comes along.) But you’re not using the same Opera you use on your desktop, or even Android. However, the situation is changing in the EU, as Apple is forced to offer dedicated third-party browsers for the iPhone.