Opera has introduced a new browser, Opera Air, to promote mental well-being and mindfulness. This innovative browser includes features such as break reminders, breathing exercises, soundscapes, and binaural beats to enhance focus and reduce stress.
A browser designed for mindfulness
Opera Air moves beyond being just a utility tool. The company recognises that people spend significant time online and aims to transform browsing into a healthier, more balanced experience. The browser integrates mindfulness tools directly into the user interface with a lightweight, semi-transparent design.
A key feature is a floating sidebar, which houses a break reminder tool and a Boosts sectionโan audio feature that plays a mix of music, ambient sounds, and binaural beats. Users can also easily access the Aria AI assistant, Messenger, and WhatsApp.
The “Take a break” feature helps users monitor their screen time through a three-bar indicator that gradually dims the longer the browser is in use. The indicator suggests taking a break once a pre-set usage time is exceeded. This feature can be customised or turned off entirely.
Guided breaks and focus-boosting soundscapes
Opera Air offers guided exercises for breaks, including breathing exercises, meditation, and full-body scans. For neck stretches, users can activate their camera to receive posture guidance. These guided activities are only available in English, but Opera is working on voiceovers in multiple languages.
The Boosts feature provides pre-set soundscapes that combine music, ambient sounds, and binaural beats. These beats use slightly different frequencies in each ear to create a unique effect in the brain, enhancing focus and relaxation. Users can customise their Boosts by adjusting music, sound levels, and beat frequency, with playtimes ranging from 15 minutes to infinity. The Boosts feature can be controlled from the sidebar at any time.
A separate browser for a new experience
When asked why Opera launched a separate browser instead of adding these features to its existing platforms, product director Mohamed Salah explained that Opera One is productivity-focused. At the same time, Opera Air is dedicated to mindfulness. “We wanted to create a product that embodies mindfulness through its tools and minimalistic design,” he said.
Opera already offers specialised browsers, including Opera One for productivity and Opera GX for gaming. However, convincing users to switch to a mindfulness-focused browser may be challenging, as many are accustomed to feature-rich browsing experiences. The success of Opera Air will depend on how well it integrates mindfulness into users’ daily digital routines.
