Most digital platforms are all about getting us to spend more time connected. Opera’s new web browser gives a good impression of being a tool that wants to do the opposite: encouraging us to take breaks from browsing.
A Minimalist Design
With a sleek, minimalist design, Opera Air has the UI of a meditation app. In fact, it is a mediation app. Along with music for creative inspiration, it provides guided meditation and breathing exercises (see our pick of the best UI design tools if you’re working on your own product designs).
Unique Features
Opera Air’s tool bar on the left adds a batch of unique features, applying the mindfulness concept beyond its UI design and into the whole UX. The browser has a break mode with four guided “smart exercises”: breathing, neck exercises, meditation, and a “full body scan.”
These exercises can range from three to 15 minutes and can be set on a timer or taken when desired. “Gentle browser reminders” encourage you to take a break and recharge.
Breaking Down Stress
The breathing exercises are intended to help reduce stress while the neck exercises, which include a 3D model, aim to soothe sore neck muscles and improve flexibility. The full body scan is a form of meditation that involves focusing attention on different parts of the body and the sensations that arise.
Boosts for Focus and Creativity
Opera Air also offers ‘boosts’, which are supposed to help focus and creativity. These take the form of binaural beats, in which different frequencies are played to each ear. Opera even claims one of them can help users recall dreams better.
User Experience
I tested out all the relaxation features to the full, but I lost patience after the first few seconds, and Alex, my in-browser personal breathing coach sounded way too smug. I’m clearly a lost cause. The browser does look very pretty though, and it’s easy to set up and flick between two workspaces. Opera Air also has an AI assistant, Aria, an in-build ad blocker and a free VPN.
Conclusion
Opera Air is a unique web browser that encourages users to take breaks from browsing. Its minimalist design and guided exercises can help reduce stress and improve focus and creativity. While it may not be for everyone, it’s an interesting concept worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Opera Air free to download and use?
A: Yes, Opera Air is free to download and use from the Opera website.
Q: Can I customize my Opera Air browser?
A: Yes, Opera Air offers customization options such as choosing from various wallpapers and setting up different workspaces.
Q: Does Opera Air have any ad-blocking capabilities?
A: Yes, Opera Air has an in-build ad blocker, which can help reduce distractions while browsing.
Q: Is Opera Air compatible with multiple devices?
A: Yes, Opera Air is compatible with multiple devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Q: Can I use Opera Air with multiple accounts?
A: Yes, Opera Air allows you to set up and switch between multiple accounts and workspaces.
