Opera releases new ‘AI’ browser and thinks you’ll pay $20/mo for it

Opera, the long-standing browser company, has released a new "AI" browser called Neon, which comes with a hefty price tag of $19.90 per month. The browser claims to offer features like tab organization, task completion on a "cloud-hosted virtual computer," and integration with AI assistants like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. The article notes that the only unique features of the Neon browser are the tab management and virtual computer capabilities, as the other AI-powered features can be accessed elsewhere for free. The author is skeptical about the value proposition of the Neon browser, especially considering the high monthly cost. In contrast, the article highlights the Vivaldi browser, which has taken a different approach, avoiding the integration of AI features and instead focusing on providing a clean and ad-free browsing experience. The Vivaldi team has made it clear that they do not believe users are asking for AI integration in their browsers. Overall, the article presents a balanced view, acknowledging Opera's attempt to capitalize on the AI trend, but questioning the necessity and value of the Neon browser's features given the high subscription cost.