On Monday, Opera, the browser maker, unveiled an impressive demonstration of its upcoming AI-powered technology called “Browser Operator.” This innovation allows users to assign shopping tasks to the browser, which it then pursues independently, marking what Opera describes as “agentic browsing.” The company claims this represents a “paradigm shift for browsers.” While the tech industry often uses this phrase liberally, in this instance, it may be fitting. Agentic browsing enables users to prompt the browser to research shopping tasks using artificial intelligence, similar to how one might visit multiple shopping websites or seek assistance from a travel agent for vacation planning. Opera emphasizes that the browser processes everything locally, utilizing the PC’s resources instead of sending information to the cloud.
Users can input their shopping tasks into a small window located in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. One important aspect of the demo is that Opera does not show the browser completing transactions. The demonstration effectively halts on a checkout screen of a shopping site without finalizing the purchase.
In the video, “Browser Operator” is tasked with finding “12 pairs of white Nike socks in men’s size 10 that I can buy.” The browser then navigates through several steps, akin to the “deep research” AI models that are becoming prevalent, breaking down the task into manageable steps for execution. Additionally, Opera showcased how Browser Operator could handle a sequence of queries. For example, one prompt asked it to book tickets for an upcoming Newcastle United Premier League game, specifying preferred midfield seating and a total price limit.
After successfully locating the tickets, the user further directed Opera to research flights and accommodations for those dates. Currently, this functionality is in the demonstration phase. Opera has announced that Browser Operator is available as a preview and is expected to be launched as part of its AI feature drop program in the near future.
However, the company has not specified if there will be any associated costs for using this feature. Typically, AI models require significant data, which raises questions about trust and reliability. Even if Browser Operator does not finalize transactions, users might wonder if they received the best deal and if the AI performed all the requested tasks correctly.
Ultimately, it will be up to users to test Browser Operator for themselves and see if Opera can deliver on this promise. While demos can sometimes be misleading, this demonstration serves as a fascinating proof of concept.