Opera browser AI – Aria FAQ

About Aria 

What is Aria?

Aria is a browser AI built on Opera’s AI engine, based on several Large Language Models (e.g. Generative Pre-trained Transformer built by OpenAI or PaLM built by Google). It uses large language model to understand a user’s question, process it and then respond using natural language. It helps users by providing information, reworking text-based content and generating ideas. 

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, refers to a set of technologies that enables computers and machines to perform advanced, human-like processes, such as analyzing and learning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

AI systems can be designed to perform a vast array of different tasks, such as understanding and generating text, images and videos, speech recognition, driving cars, playing games, etc.

What is a Large Language Model?

A Large Language Model (LLM) is a technology designed to receive questions and provide responses using natural language (which means it can process and generate text). Large Language Models are trained on a large quantity of publicly available sources such as articles, websites, and books in order to understand and emulate human language. When given an input or prompt, the AI uses the knowledge it has acquired to formulate a response that emulates natural language.

How to use Aria

What can I do with the browser AI in Opera?

Aria supports and enhances your online experience. For starters, you can ask Aria, using simple, every-day language, to find information on the web. The AI will provide an answer, often by efficiently compiling information from multiple online sources. Additionally, you can ask Aria to assist you in writing an email, tweet, social media post, or any other type of text, in any style you specify, such as formal, informal, or humorous. With Aria, you can effortlessly absorb web content by requesting it be shortened or summarized. Plus, when working on something special, you can ask Aria to generate ideas, find synonyms and analogies, or simply refine your own concepts.

Some examples of useful questions to ask:

  • Can you compare the most popular travel destination? ✅
  • What are all the steps required to plan a trip to Sweden? ✅
  • Can you show me an easy and fast recipe for making pizza? ✅
  • What can I cook with 100g of spaghetti and 2 potatoes? ✅
  • How much is 6 feet in meters? ✅
  • Can you recommend a rom-com to watch with kids? ✅
  • Plan a fun workout routine for a lazy person. ✅

How do I start using Aria in Opera?

You can chat with Aria for free, even without an Opera Account. But you can also create a free Opera Account any time and sign in, which will allow you to:

  • View and manage your Aria chat history
  • Generate even more images with Aria
  • Perform AI Benchmark tests on your device

Opera for Android
In Opera for Android, simply tap Aria browser AI in the main menu and you will be taken to the chat. 

Opera Browser for desktop
In Opera Browser on desktop, click the Aria browser AI icon in the sidebar on the left and the chat will be displayed. 

How do I create a new chat?

If you have an open chat and you want to create a new one, you can click the plus icon on the top bar of the chat dialog.

If I create a new chat, will my previous conversation be lost?

No, previous conversations in Aria are saved for 30 days or until you delete them. When you start a new chat, the previous conversation is added to the chat list. You can access the chat list in Opera for Android by tapping the icon at the top of the chat dialog, and in Opera Browser for desktop by clicking the menu icon in the top bar.

How long are my old chats saved for?

Chats are saved for 30 days, but you can also delete chats manually

Can I continue the conversation in an old chat?

Yes, you can reopen an old chat and continue the conversation unless you have deleted the chat manually.

How do I delete a chat?

Opera for Android
To delete a conversation, go to the chat list by tapping the icon on the top bar of the chat. There you can either delete them one at a time by swiping, or you can select multiple chats and delete them all at once by clicking the bin icon. If you want to delete all your conversations and user data, you can clear the data in Settings > Privacy & security > Clear data.

Opera Browser for desktop
To delete a single conversation, go to the chat list by clicking the icon on the top bar of the chat. There you can delete them one at a time by hovering on a single chat and clicking the icon, then confirming the action. 

If you want to delete all your conversations, click the menu button. There you will see the history of your chats, and can delete all of them by clicking the Clear all button. This action will also need your confirmation. 

Can I restore a chat that I’ve deleted?

No, it is not possible to restore a chat that has been deleted.

How do I customize Aria’s settings?

Opera for Android
To customize Aria, go to Settings > Aria. There you can choose to enable or disable the Menu shortcut.

Opera Browser for desktop
Open the Sidebar setup panel by clicking the three-dot icon at the bottom of the sidebar. There you can choose to hide or display Aria. 

Page Context Mode

How do I open Aria’s command line in Opera Browser for desktop? 

You can open Aria’s command line by pressing Ctrl+/ or Cmd+/.

What can I do with the command line? 

The command line lets you ask questions and get instant answers from Aria without leaving the page you’re on.

Can I have a more in-depth conversation with Aria? 

Yes, you can easily move your query to a full sidebar chat with Aria by clicking on the Continue in chat button.

What is Page Context Mode? 

Page Context Mode allows you to ask Aria about the content of the webpage you’re currently on.

How do I activate Page Context Mode?

To activate Page Context Mode, press Ctrl+/ or Cmd+/ to open the command line, then press TAB.

How do I return to normal mode from Page Context Mode?

To switch back to normal mode from Page Context Mode, press TAB again on your keyboard.

What tasks can I perform with Page Context Mode? 

Page Context Mode helps you summarize the text of a page, extract specific information, and translate foreign language texts, for example.

Can Aria provide recommendations based on my needs? 

Yes, you can ask Aria for recommendations based on your prompt and the webpage you are viewing.

Is Page Context Mode available for all websites? 

Page Context Mode is still in an experimental phase and may not be available for all websites.

When using Page Context Mode, are Aria’s responses saved in the regular chat history? 

No, when answering a question in Page Context Mode, Aria’s responses are not saved in your regular Aria chat.

Should I be careful adding personal information in Page Context Mode?

When you use Page Context Mode, the data can be processed like any other input to Aria. Therefore, we do not recommend using Page Context Mode on banking or payment provider sites, medical platforms, or other sensitive account websites.

Is Page Context Mode available when using a private browsing window?

No, Page Context Mode does not work when using private mode.

Accuracy of responses

What are the main limitations of Aria?

As this field of technology is still in development, all applications of artificial intelligence have limitations. Most notably:

  • Aria might generate biased or harmful content, since the AI’s training data and algorithms can be biased.
  • Aria may generate false, misleading and inaccurate information, since it does not have the ability to fact-check.
  • Aria does not have access to your browser data, beyond what you submit through the input field. 

Can I trust the information provided by Aria?

It’s important to note that, while Aria aims to be as accurate as possible, it still has limitations, such as social biases and hallucinations.

When using Aria, please keep in mind that it is not a fact-checker. The responses provided are based on existing publicly available sources which could be false or biased. Because of this, it is recommended that you double-check the information provided by Aria with other sources before using or quoting it.

What is the source of knowledge for Aria?

The information provided by Aria is based on data that’s currently available on the web, and the large quantity of publicly available sources that the AI model was trained on. 

AI answers are not always accurate or reliable. Artificial Intelligences might sometimes hallucinate and generate unjustified responses. 

Try these tips to get better results.

What can I do to get more accurate responses?

Here are some tips to help you achieve better results when using AI language models:

  1. Be specific: To increase the chance of generating relevant and helpful responses, it is important to provide detailed questions or prompts. Avoid using vague or open-ended prompts that may lead to ambiguous or irrelevant responses.
  2. Use proper grammar and spelling: Aria is more likely to generate accurate responses when you use proper grammar. Avoid using slang, abbreviations, or regional language.
  3. Provide context: Providing context for your questions or prompts can help the AI better understand what you’re asking and generate more accurate responses. If you’re seeking advice on a particular topic, give some background information about the situation.
  4. Correct mistakes: If Aria generates a response that contains errors or inaccuracies, you can correct it by providing feedback. This will help the model improve the answer provided.
  5. Experiment with different prompts: If you’re not getting the results you’re looking for, try rephrasing your questions. Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference in the quality of the responses you receive.

What is an AI hallucination?

Aria may provide inaccurate results to your input. In some cases it may hallucinate

An AI hallucination is a phenomenon in which an artificial intelligence generates unintentionally imaginative and creative outputs that are divergent from the input or training data. An AI model, such as a language model, generates responses that may not be accurate or aligned with reality, contrary to what a user asked for. This anomaly can occur as a result of limitations or biases that are present in the training data or the complexity of the AI technology itself.

Limits and terms of usage

Is Aria limited to an adult audience?

Yes, you need to be at least 18 years old to use Aria.

Is Aria a free service?

Yes, Aria is a free service in Opera Browser.

In which countries is Aria available?

Aria is available for use in Opera for Android and Opera Browser for desktop in most countries. However, it is currently unavailable in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Belarus, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini (fmr. “Swaziland”), Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Iraq, Iran, Laos, Libya, Macau, North Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine (specifically Crimea & LNR/DNR), Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Vietnam, Zimbabwe. 

Do I need to have an Opera account to start using Aria?

Yes, to use Aria you need to be logged in with your Opera account. If you don’t have an account or you are not logged in, you’ll be redirected to the sign-up page when you first enter the chat.

Is there a limit to the number of chats or messages per chat?

There is no specific limit to the number of chats that you can open, or the number of messages per chat. However, functionality might be impaired if you use the service excessively. If that happens, the service will be temporarily unavailable until the next day.

Data protection and safety

Is Aria safe for my privacy?

Aria can only access the information that you provide in the ongoing chat. Neither the browser or other web services can access any data that you provide to Aria. 

In order to ensure your privacy within Aria, it is recommended that you do not include any personally sensitive information in your Aria conversations. For more information on how your data is handled, please see Opera’s privacy statement (legal.opera.com/privacy).

What data does Aria have access to?

Aria can only access the information that you provide by writing in the chat. When you open a new chat, Aria cannot remember any information or data from previous conversations.

Who has access to my chats?

Conversation history is stored on Opera’s servers for 30 days. OpenAI’s servers will also keep anonymized (not connected to your identity) parts of conversations for 30 days. Data isn’t stored by Google for longer than necessary to generate a customer’s output and isn’t used to train Google’s Foundation Models. 

In order to ensure your privacy within Aria, it is recommended that you do not include any personally sensitive information in your Aria conversations.

Can Aria learn from my interactions with it?

Aria can only learn the context of your input within a particular chat to provide the best response possible. When you open a new chat, Aria cannot remember any information or data from previous conversations.

OpenAI and Google can’t use questions you provide to the chat to improve their systems. 

Which laws govern the usage of my data?

As a Norwegian company, Opera is governed by Norwegian and EU laws. As such, we are GDPR-compliant and we handle user data as dictated by European laws and regulations. This is an advantage for users, as the EU and the broader European Economic Area have one of the most robust privacy protection frameworks in the world. In fact, we apply the GDPR to our internal processing across the Opera Group of companies, even in contexts where it might not apply directly to our affiliated companies outside of Europe.