Opera is launching a brand new concept called the Browser Operator. This tool acts like a personal helper inside the Opera browser, handling basic actions on websites without the user constantly clicking.
The company presented a demonstration showing the Browser Operator adding socks to an online shopping basket. The user typed a simple phrase, and the agent navigated through pages step after step.
Although a person can complete the same task with fewer clicks, Opera believes that this agent can assist those who enjoy less manual searching and more typed instructions. The agent runs on the user’s computer rather than a remote system, which keeps it all contained.
Opera has blended new technology into its browser before. It introduced Aria in the past, which was an AI helper that responded to typed requests. This next project attempts to go further, acting on the user’s behalf for day-to-day tasks.
What Tasks Can It Handle?
The Browser Operator can search for products, add them to a basket, and pause whenever sensitive information is needed. That means the user can step in to type passwords or card details safely. The rest of the process is handled through text-based instructions.
Demonstrations show it handling flight ticket searches, event bookings, and other routine tasks. It moves methodically so the user can cancel at any time if something looks off. Opera has shown that it can retrieve details from different sites, but the final payment is always confirmed or rejected by the user.
This concept might save a few minutes here and there. The user can watch the steps and intervene if needed. It also appears to have some capacity for reading entire pages at once, making it fairly quick for those who prefer minimal clicking.
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How Do Users Stay In Control?
The design relies on Opera’s local engine. It does not record screens or gather unneeded data. That means login details, forms, and other personal inputs are handled directly between the user and the website.
When the Browser Operator needs card numbers or addresses, it gives the user a prompt, then resumes its process after the details are entered. No third party sees these keystrokes, according to Opera.
A chat sidebar serves as the command station. The user tells the agent what to do, and it works through each stage. Progress is shown in real time, which allows for immediate intervention if the result seems incorrect.
The ability to check every move is meant to give peace of mind. People often worry about new tools running wild, but this slower pace helps them spot errors before any purchase is finalised.
Opera says it has used its knowledge of how webpages are structured, so the agent can read data directly. The agent does not rely on analysing images or scanning the screen pixel by pixel, which might create extra overhead.
When Will It Arrive?
Opera has not confirmed a general release date for this feature. It appears that a small group has early access. Others are likely to see the Browser Operator once Opera finishes testing.
Aria has been in the Opera browser for a while, answering queries in a chat format. The Browser Operator is an extension of that concept, letting AI click through online forms.
