Opera is stepping into the future of AI-driven browsing with a groundbreaking feature called Browser Operator, showcased at MWC 2025. This innovative tool transforms simple written queries into actionable commands, streamlining the web surfing experience and reducing the need for users to manually navigate through different pages.
Simply type your request in everyday language, and Browser Operator does the rest. For instance, if you need to secure three concert tickets, just instruct the Operator, and it will handle the selection and booking process, guiding you to the final payment stage without hassle.
As this browsing assistant springs into action, users will receive a detailed breakdown of the actions taken, akin to an AI reasoning model. The Operator can tackle complex multi-step tasks while keeping track of context from prior interactions.
How does Operator work?
This tool doesn’t operate fully autonomously; Opera has designed it to require user confirmation at sensitive points, like entering personal information such as phone numbers or vehicle details. The technology relies on the AI Composer Engine, intelligently parsing user inputs into specific browsing directives.
One of the standout aspects of the Browser Operator is that it functions locally on your device rather than relying on cloud processing, ensuring that user data remains private. According to Opera, “the Browser Operator runs natively inside your browser,” protecting sensitive information such as cookies and browsing history.
The AI’s approach differs from traditional web interactions, as it emphasizes a text-based comprehension of webpages rather than treating them as static images. This efficiency accelerates the browsing process significantly.
Moreover, the Operator effectively interacts with elements that might be overlooked by users, such as pop-ups and verification prompts. If it encounters steps requiring user action, it will prompt the individual to temporarily take control.
Opera describes its process as a “human-in-the-loop” methodology, where users can either navigate the webpage themselves or input necessary details directly into the Operator chat interface. It’s essential to note that at no point does the Operator retain any data, as that information is intended solely for processing by the website.
The Browser Operator is currently in its preview stage, with plans for a feature rollout in the “near future.” It’s worth mentioning that Opera isn’t the only player in the field; OpenAI has also created its version called Operator, and Gemini Deep Research offers another web-centric agentic AI solution.
