Opera Enhances Android Browser with AI-Powered Image Understanding Feature

The Opera browser for Android is introducing an innovative artificial intelligence feature designed to enhance user interactions with images. This capability is being integrated into Aria, the built-in AI assistant, as part of the company's ongoing AI Feature Drop program. It will first be accessible in the Opera Developer version of the Android browser, following its previous implementation in the desktop format.

The company announced the new AI functionality in a recent blog update, highlighting its intention to facilitate a more comprehensive comprehension of visuals for users. Known as Image Understanding, this feature will be incorporated within the Aria chatbot interface, which can be launched from the sidebar. Users can initiate this feature by tapping the ‘+' icon to upload their chosen image.

Once an image is uploaded, Aria utilizes computer vision technology to analyze it and respond to user queries. For example, if a user provides an image of a windmill, they can request additional information about it. Opera specifies that multiple images can be uploaded simultaneously—up to three at once—with responses provided for each. However, all queries need to be in text format. It is important to note that the Image Understanding capability can only address questions based on the visible content in the images, although users are allowed to ask follow-up questions for further information using web-based sources.

The computer vision functionality also extends to interpreting text within images, allowing Aria to solve mathematical problems presented visually. Additionally, users have the option to request Aria to create an image inspired by the uploaded visual input. This attribute symbolizes a remarkable progression in the company's journey AI Feature Drop initiative, which regularly introduces new experimental tools every two weeks. Currently, the Image Understanding option is live in the Opera Developer build, with plans for future availability to all Opera users.