Opera, the the second most popular internet browser that is not pre-loaded on devices, has expanded its artificial intelligence-powered features. The company announced that it is integrating Google's Gemini models to support the artificial intelligence or AI features of its Internet browser. Opera will adopt the Gemini models for its Aria browser AI. The Chromium-based browser now offers improved image and text-to-speech generation capabilities, thanks to the integration of Google's flagship AI models.
Opera browser will use the Gemini models to power its Aria AI
Gemini is Google's most powerful, advanced and easy-to-use LLM (Large Language Model). It now powers the artificial intelligence features of the Opera browser's Aria AI. Thanks to the integration, the Opera browser can now offer its users the “most up-to-date information, with high performance.”
It is striking that Opera already integrated Gemini's competitor ChatGPT into its browser last year. Opera said the Aria browser AI is “unique in that it doesn't use just one provider or LLM. Opera's Composer AI engine processes the user's intentions and can decide which model to use for which task.” So we can expect Opera to work with more browser AI tools in the future.
The Opera browser offers free image generation features through Google's Imagen 2 model
The integration of Google Cloud's Gemini models into the Opera browser will provide users with access to image generation features. The functionality uses the Imagen 2 model on Vertex AI. Users can generate images based on the text prompts. Additionally, the same technology will allow Opera's Aria AI to read out responses in a conversational tone. The feature is powered by Google's “groundbreaking text-to-audio model,” the company suggests.
Opera integrates artificial intelligence features into both the regular browser and OperaGX, which is aimed at PC gamers. Google's Gemini models appear in both versions. Opera does not integrate the Gemini chatbot directly, but uses Gemini AI models behind the scenes to power its browser's AI functions.
Opera reiterated that it has been harnessing the potential of browser AI for more than a year. The browser's new Gemini AI features are currently only available in the Opera One Developer version. It's part of Opera's AI Features Drops program, which allows early adopters to test the latest experimental and AI innovations. There's no word on when these features will roll out to a larger number of users.
