A New Era of Agentic Browsing
Opera, the Norwegian browser company, has introduced an AI-driven browsing assistant called Browser Operator at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025. This feature enables users to complete various online tasks through simple written prompts, marking a significant step forward in browser functionality.
“For more than 30 years, the browser gave you access to the web, but it has never been able to get stuff done for you. Now it can. This is different from anything we’ve seen or shipped so far,” said Krystian Kolondra, EVP at Opera.
With the introduction of agentic browsing, Opera aims to transform the web experience from a passive display engine into an active assistant that can execute tasks for users efficiently. The Browser Operator can handle repetitive and tedious tasks such as booking tickets, making purchases, and arranging travel accommodations, freeing up valuable time for users.
What Can Browser Operator Do?
During the demonstration at MWC 2025, Opera showcased several real-world applications of its AI-powered browsing assistant. The Browser Operator was seen:
- Finding a pair of socks from Walmart.
- Booking football match tickets from a club’s official website.
- Searching for flights and hotels for a trip on Booking.com.
These tasks highlight the AI agent’s ability to interact with websites autonomously, saving users multiple steps and clicks.
A Secure and Private AI Experience
Opera has emphasized that privacy and security are at the core of the Browser Operator. Unlike some competing AI agents that rely on cloud-based solutions or virtual machines, Opera’s AI operates locally on the device. This ensures that personal data remains private and is not stored or processed on external servers.
Moreover, the Browser Operator maintains user control throughout the process. It pauses for user input when sensitive information, such as login credentials or payment details, is required. Users can also monitor the AI’s actions in real time and intervene or cancel a task whenever necessary.
Competition in the AI-Powered Browsing Space
The agentic browsing space is rapidly evolving, with several players introducing AI-driven solutions. Opera’s Browser Operator competes with other AI-powered browsing assistants, including:
- OpenAI’s Operator, which integrates AI-assisted browsing within ChatGPT Pro.
- The Browser Company’s Arc Browser, which has teased its own AI-powered browsing assistant, Dia.
- Perplexity’s upcoming Comet browser, which is expected to feature advanced AI browsing capabilities.
However, Opera differentiates itself by integrating AI natively into its browser rather than relying on external cloud instances or separate applications.
Availability and Future Plans
Currently, the Browser Operator is available as a preview through Opera’s Feature Drop program, which provides users early access to experimental AI functionalities. A broader rollout is expected later this year.
Opera has a history of pioneering browser innovations, including tabbed browsing, built-in VPN, and AI-powered features. With the launch of agentic browsing, the company is once again setting new standards, redefining what a browser can do for its users.
As AI continues to shape the future of the web, Opera’s Browser Operator is poised to lead the way in making browsing not just informative but truly interactive and intelligent.