Opera Tests Local AI with WebAI in Beta

Key Takeaways

1Opera offers local AI execution in its browser through WebAI

2The feature is in beta on Windows 64-bit and Mac Apple silicon

3Activation is opt-in and relies on open-weight models

Why it matters : Local AI allows data to remain on the user's machine and provides greater control compared to cloud solutions.

Opera offers local AI execution in its browser thanks to the WebAI standard. This feature, which can be activated on demand and is based on open-weight models, is currently in beta for 64-bit Windows and Mac with Apple silicon, promising enhanced user control.

An opt-in beta limited to 64-bit Windows and Apple silicon Macs

Opera presents WebAI as an early beta version. This version is accessible on 64-bit Windows PCs equipped with Intel or AMD processors, as well as on Macs with Apple silicon. It is not available on Intel-based Macs, Linux, or Windows on Arm. Activating WebAI relies on the explicit consent of the user: no elements are downloaded without their action. Opera's implementation is based on open-weight models, with the option to choose models offered by Google and Apple, among others. Sample extensions using WebUI from WebAI are also provided for developers.

Opera promotes local AI and promises users control over execution

Opera claims to prioritize local AI, while most browsers rely on cloud solutions to process requests. According to the company, local execution keeps requests and data on the user's machine. This feature uses open-weight models, which avoids the management of costly infrastructure and pay-per-request models, potentially fostering innovation within the browser. Krystian Kolondra, EVP Browsers and AI at Opera, believes that many AI applications can already be performed on a laptop without resorting to a data center. He recalls that Opera first delivered local models to developers in 2024 and plans to make them accessible to all users, along with new models and tools. The user retains control over what runs on their machine. In comparison, Firefox allows for local AI usage via Smart Window, but this option is not enabled by default and requires selecting a custom provider and installing Ollama.

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WebAI, a proposed standard supported by Google and Microsoft

WebAI is a recently proposed web standard, backed by companies such as Google and Microsoft. It allows websites and extensions to use AI hosted directly in the browser. Opera's implementation is designed to be independent of the model used.

Activating the Web AI API in Opera One and testing with an extension

To try out the local version of Opera, you need to download or update to Opera One. Activating the Web AI API is done in the settings under the Opera AI section by checking the corresponding option. You then need to install a compatible extension and open it from the extensions menu.