Opera has released a major iOS update featuring new AI-focused widgets and expanded access to its AI assistant Aria for iPhone and iPad users.
What’s new: Opera’s latest iOS browser update introduces customizable Home Screen widgets and makes its AI assistant Aria available to all users, even without signing in.
- New widgets provide one-tap access to key features including Private Mode browsing and Aria AI interactions
- Long-press functionality on widgets reveals additional shortcuts
- The update removes the login requirement for using Aria AI features
AI capabilities and limitations: Aria offers both text and voice-based interactions while incorporating advanced image generation capabilities.
- Users can interact with Aria through text or voice commands for web searches and queries
- Image generation is powered by Google’s Imagen 3 Fast model
- Non-registered users can generate up to 5 images daily
- Registered users receive an increased limit of 30 images per day
User growth metrics: Opera’s iOS browser has experienced substantial growth in recent months.
- New user adoption increased by 33% in the European Union between September and November 2024
- Global user growth reached 31% during the same period
Technical requirements: The updated Opera browser maintains broad compatibility with Apple devices.
- Available for free download on the App Store
- Compatible with iOS 14 and later versions
- Supports both iPhone and iPad devices
Market implications: Opera’s strategic move to expand AI accessibility and enhance widget functionality positions the browser to compete more effectively in the mobile browser market.
- The removal of login requirements for AI features could lower barriers to entry for new users
- Widget implementation aligns with growing user demand for quick-access tools and AI integration
- These developments suggest Opera is prioritizing user experience and AI functionality to differentiate itself from competitors in the crowded browser market
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