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Did you think that by switching from Chrome to Opera, you would distance yourself from Google’s footprint? It might be time to reassess that idea. The Norwegian browser, once a European alternative, is getting closer and closer to the Californian giant. What does this change mean for Opera users?
The 3 Key Points Not to Miss
Opera continues to evolve with the addition of features that bring the browser closer to the Google universe. With the integration of Gemini AI and Google Translate, Opera One transforms into an interface that highlights Alphabet’s services. Gmail and Google Calendar are also available as shortcuts in the sidebar, although these elements can be hidden. Opera’s default search engine remains Google, and the AI consistently redirects to it, regardless of the engine configured by the user.
Opera One has introduced a Split Screen feature allowing the management of up to four tabs simultaneously. This feature, initially accessible in the testing phase, is now available to all users in the stable version. Tabs can be organized in different ways: horizontally, vertically, or in a grid. This feature facilitates multitasking and enhances the user experience on the browser.
Opera emphasizes the integration of artificial intelligence in its browser. The sidebar now brings together three AI assistants: Opera’s in-house AI, Gemini, and ChatGPT. Opera’s AI stands out for its ability to analyze the content of open tabs to provide contextualized responses, while Gemini and ChatGPT operate more independently.
Despite these integrations, Opera strives to maintain its identity by offering unique features. The browser is notably distinguished by its customization and tab organization options, such as Split Screen, which are not available with all competitors. However, with a technical base relying on Chromium and increased integration of Google services, Opera seems to be moving away from its European roots.
Opera has long been recognized for its innovations in browsing, such as the introduction of tabbed browsing and data compression features. However, with the evolution of the tech industry, the browser has had to adapt and cooperate with giants like Google to remain competitive. Its main competitors include browsers like Firefox, which focuses on privacy protection, and Microsoft Edge, which integrates closely with the Windows ecosystem. This strategy of aligning with Google could allow Opera to capture a broader audience, although some loyal users regret this direction.