Making AI Accessible for Everyone
Opera has announced the integration of its Aria AI assistant into the Opera Mini browser on Android. This update aims to give users with low-end devices and limited data access an easy way to benefit from AI-driven features.
Powered by OpenAI and Google Models
Aria AI assistant can assist users in fetching the latest news, generating images, and answering general queries. Opera uses a combination of OpenAI and Google’s language models to power Aria, ensuring fast and accurate responses.
“AI is becoming a core part of everyday browsing,” said Jorgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera. “Bringing Aria to Opera Mini feels like a natural next step.”
Opera Mini: Still Focused on Saving Data
Despite adding AI features, Opera claims that data savings remain a priority. The company says the update will not increase the app’s size, keeping Opera Mini light and efficient.
Launched in 2005, Opera Mini is designed for users who want a fast and data-friendly browsing experience. This focus has made it one of the most downloaded browsers globally.
Strong Global Reach and User Base
Opera Mini has over 1 billion downloads on Android and more than 100 million active users worldwide. According to Appfigures, it recorded 7.1 million downloads globally in 2024 alone.
In past years, Opera partnered with African telcos to offer free data for Opera Mini users. However, the company discontinued its program in Kenya in 2023 due to a regulatory decision limiting ads on browser bookmark tiles.
Expanding AI Across Browsing Features
Opera isn’t stopping with the AI Aria assistant. The company is also testing other AI features like natural language tab control and a smart operator to help users perform tasks automatically. These tools aim to enhance the mobile browsing experience and bring more intelligence to everyday internet use.
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