Opera, the innovative browser company from Norway, is taking a big step forward by introducing its AI assistant, Aria, to Android users of the Opera Mini browser. If you’re using an entry-level device or have a limited data plan, this move is set to enhance your browsing experience significantly. Aria AI isn’t just about fetching information; it’s about diving deeper into topics you care about and even creating images. By integrating models from OpenAI and Google, Aria aims to provide you with precise answers.
Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera, shared his excitement about this integration. He mentioned, “AI is rapidly becoming an integral part of the daily internet experience – bringing Aria to Opera Mini is a natural addition to our most-downloaded browser. With the addition of our built-in AI, Aria, we’re excited to explore how AI can further enhance the feature set our users rely on every day.”
Since its launch in 2005, Opera Mini has been known for its knack for saving data while you browse. The company assures that adding the Aria AI assistant won’t mess with these data-saving perks or inflate the app’s size. Over the years, Opera has teamed up with local telecom companies in Africa to offer free data to Opera Mini users. However, they had to stop the free data program in Kenya last year due to regulatory changes affecting browser ads.
With over a billion downloads on Android and a global user base of more than 100 million, Opera Mini is a popular choice. According to Appfigures, it’s been downloaded 7.1 million times worldwide this year. Besides Aria, Opera is also looking into other AI-driven features, like natural language tab control and autonomous task completion operators.
