Opera has taken a bold step forward in the highly competitive browser landscape by expanding its collaboration with Google, bringing Gemini — Google’s cutting-edge AI model — directly into its desktop browsers, Opera One and Opera GX. What began as an experimental feature in Opera’s concept browser, Neon, is now being rolled out to all users for free.
Unlike other AI features that rely on extensions or extra downloads, Opera’s Gemini integration is a native component. It appears as a streamlined sidebar panel that can be opened instantly. Once activated, users will be able to:
This approach could redefine browsing for many by making powerful AI tools accessible to everyone — all without additional cost.
AI in Opera began as an experimental playground inside Neon, where new browsing ideas were put to the test. Now, Opera is embedding those innovations into everyday use. By incorporating Gemini into Opera One and Opera GX (a version built for gamers), Opera signals that AI is no longer an optional add-on — it’s becoming an essential part of the browsing experience.
The move comes at a time when competitors are making similar bets. Microsoft Edge has Copilot, powered by OpenAI’s models, and Google Chrome is quietly experimenting with its own AI tools. Opera’s partnership with Google places it in direct alignment with these major players while highlighting Gemini’s multimodal capabilities — its ability to understand text, images, and video within a single, unified system.
One standout feature is the addition of voice commands. Imagine reading an article and simply saying, “Summarize this,” or asking, “Compare this review with the one on TechRadar.” This voice-first approach eliminates extra clicks and makes browsing smoother and more accessible, especially for multitaskers or users who value voice interaction.
Importantly, Opera emphasizes user privacy. Gemini functions only when you summon it, rather than constantly monitoring activity in the background. This opt-in design makes it easier for users to maintain control over how and when they use AI assistance.
In just a year, AI integration in browsers has transformed from a novelty into a must-have feature. Microsoft’s Edge leads with Copilot, Chrome users experiment with ChatGPT-based extensions, and now Opera provides Gemini access for free. It’s a competitive, rapidly evolving field — and Opera’s open-access strategy might attract both casual users and gamers eager for smarter, faster browsing experiences.
The broader message is clear: browsers are evolving beyond being mere gateways to the web. They’re becoming intelligent companions that actively assist users. As this new era unfolds, one thing seems certain — the future of browsing will be shaped less by search bars and more by artificial intelligence.