Opera has released a new browser called Opera One, which will eventually replace its flagship browser. The Norway-based company said this new browser has elements that will prepare it for a “generative AI-powered future” without specifying what that means.
The core feature of Opera One, which will be released as a developer preview, is a new tab grouping concept called “Tab Islands.” Automatically groups tabs based on context. For example, if you’re looking for places to dine, tabs with different menus and locations will come together. If you’re working on a bunch of Google Docs, they’ll be grouped together as well.
Island Representation Tab Image Credits: TechCrunch
Each island (or group) is represented by a vertical colored tablet, which you can expand and collapse with a click. There is a useful tooltip feature for the collapsed islands, which can help you find the right tab group.
Joanna Czajka, Opera’s product manager, said this new approach is “a natural way to organize your tabs into contextual groups without interrupting your flow.”
However, Opera isn’t the only browser maker trying to approach tabs in a new way. Startups like Browser Company and SigmaOS have focused on creating different workspaces and opening/browsing tabs via a taskbar.
The company added that Opera One uses Multithreaded Compositor, which helps render different complex web animations smoothly through the GPU. Czajka said this helps improve performance with the tab island and other upcoming features, like a redesigned address bar.
In terms of AI-centric features for the new browser, Opera didn’t give many details. But it did specify that the ChatGPT and ChatSonic integrations it introduced to the flagship browser in March will be turned on by default.
Opera said this is the first iteration of Opera One, and later this year it will replace the company’s flagship product on Windows, MacOS and Linux later this year.
