Opera launches mindfulness-focused browser Opera Air

Opera, the Norwegian web browsing company, has announced the release of Opera Air, a browser designed to focus on mindfulness.

Opera Air is introduced as a comprehensive browser that integrates mindfulness tools, including breathing exercises, meditation, binaural beats, stretching, and positive quotations, into the browsing experience. These features aim to assist users in managing stress and maintaining emotional clarity throughout their day while on the web. The browser features a minimalist Scandinavian design and a frosted glass user interface.

Senior Director of Product at Opera, Mohamed Salah, discussed the inspiration behind Opera Air: "The web is beautiful, but it can be chaotic and overwhelming. We decided to look at science-backed ways to help our users navigate it in a way that makes them feel and function better."

The new browser offers two main features for mindful use: "Take a Break" and "Boosts. "Take a Break provides guided breathing exercises, meditation, and full-body scans lasting 3 to 15 minutes. Users can set reminders for these mindful breaks to encourage regular practice.

The "Boosts" feature uses binaural beats, an auditory technique involving slightly different frequencies in each ear, which can influence brainwave activity to promote relaxation, focus, or a meditative state. The available "Boosts" options include Creativity Boost, Energised Focus, and Deep Relaxation, with personalised settings for volume, nature sounds, and background music. Users can select the Boost duration from 15 minutes to unlimited.

One example of mindfulness in action is the "Focused Calm" Boost, which utilises Alpha 8Hz beats alongside soothing background music and natural sounds to foster a calm, focused state. This feature allows users to continue their activities, such as browsing or document editing while benefiting from enhanced concentration and tranquillity.