Personally I have used a few different browsers while surfing the internet and I am always looking out for a browser that can offer a better experience, whether that is one of greater security or a faster more user-friendly one. If I am honest, it would be good to have a browser that was more relaxing to use. While not wishing on AI to take over, I often get more stressed trying to navigate the interface, finding the ‘print’ or ‘download’ icon, or staring at the screen which shows screensavers that are dull and boring. Oh, how I wish for a browser that was easy to use!
A ‘higher power’ must have been listening to my thoughts, as on the 4th February 2025, the multi-platform web browser Opera, released ‘Opera Air’, a new browser which promises to ‘de-stress’ while using the internet.
Imagine working on your device and having the option to calm your mind at the touch of a button. This is not a marketing ploy, and I have no direct interest in this concept either – this was, as I recall, a pipe-dream for me, something that I presumed would never happen in my life-time. A genie-in-the-bottle moment!
I downloaded the browser without delay and for many weeks, I have pushed every button and clicked away until my heart is content. I must confess, I have fallen asleep while operating my keyboard once or twice! It is relaxing in my opinion. If you click on the YouTube video below, you will get a taste of what Opera Air bring to you. Please have a look, as the clip only lasts for 49 seconds.
After the first few days, I found the browser new and exciting and imagined a life of never finding myself being stressed again of trying to meet deadlines, as all I had to do was listen to any one of the many meditations on offer and deadlines became distant!
What are your thoughts on this browser?
Would you enjoy having the tools at your finger tips to de-stress, calm your mind and body, and listen to meditations, while browsing the internet or working? Or would this be too convenient and distract you from the task at hand?
I would be interested in your opinion on the Opera Air browser.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post.
Steve
Never used Opera. I have Chrome but I find it full of ads so so heavy…
Thanks for the comment. One day, we will find a less cumbersome platform…
Interesting to see you writing about tech Steve.
But good to know you have a browser you can “work” with because, at the end of the day, that’s what’s most important.
I have most of the browsers you list, excluding Safari as I don’t use the Mac environment. I use Chromium rather than Chrome as well as a few you don’t list but can be found in a the Linux Store. I’m not familiar with the “air’ version you run however.
As a developer I test my work against all of them but my go to workhorse is actually Yandex. I like it as it has all of the features I need as well as the translate button on the left column. Again “air” is unknown to me but I find the Opera version I run a bit greed y when it comes to screen space.
Yandex runs the “Chromium ” engine so it displays as 99% of our visitors would see it. Currently, the Chromium based browsers are the the more popular with our visitors. Others, such as Firefox are based on a different engine and usually display differently.
Would I find Air a distraction?
Hard to know until I use it, but I can see fir some it would be a good way to “time” out and perhaps manage screen time.
Personally, I multi task, I’m not just a developer, but also a write, a social and political activist, researcher and company director. So I can switch between tasks.
When screen time becomes to much I destress in the kitchen – love to bake – or simply open the door and go walking, shopping, have a milk shake or visit the library~ I travel overseas school holidays and NEVER take my computer with me.
To be frank – my biggest gripe isn’t so much the browser but the search engine.
Bing and Google seem to be more focused on ads now than results.
Too often I find the first page of results in initially irrelevant to my queries – “sponsored results.” This is not what i would call a great UX.
Duckduckgo were great – but now they divert to Bing.
Ironically, I’ve actually found I receive better, more accurate and generally useful results from AI engines- either ChatGB or Deep Seek.
Maybe your other readers have some better alternatives?
Interesting to read your viewpoint Bic, which is full of useful suggestions. Thanks again 🙂
Intriguing. It sounds like a wonderful possibility!
Thanks JoAnna, I wonder what the next 10 years will bring! 🙂
I’m wondering about the next year. 🙂
I haven’t tried Opera Air yet, but plan to do so. I’ve been using DuckDuckGo as my go-to browser, you don’t get bombarded with ads and they block trackers.
Thanks, I have heard that DuckDuckGo was a good browser and one that I will try out soon. 🙂
I set Opera as my default browser several years ago. I like their experiments including this new one.
Hi Swabby, Opera trying new ideas is welcome.