Opera launches Arm-optimised browser for Snapdragon-powered PCs

Opera, the web browser known for its speed and unique features, has launched an Arm-optimised version developed with the support of Microsoft's App Assure team and Qualcomm Technologies. This new build of the browser is reported to deliver over twice the speed on Arm-based Windows systems compared to its emulated versions. This release arrives just in time for the much-anticipated launch of new products powered by Qualcomm Technologies' Snapdragon X Elite Platform.

Users can now enjoy a native version of Opera, embracing the next generation of web browsing on Arm architecture. This development comes as the industry gears up for the advent of Arm-based processors for PCs, ensuring that users have access to a cutting-edge browser optimised for Snapdragon-powered Windows devices.

Krystian Kolondra, EVP of Browsers and Gaming at Opera, said, "Windows is our biggest audience, so offering the best possible experience on the most cutting-edge Windows devices powered by Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus is our top priority. With this native Arm version of Opera, users will experience a dramatic boost in performance, resulting in faster browsing and a more responsive feel across the board."

Klaus Diaconu, Partner Director of Product Management, Windows Fundamentals at Microsoft, added, "Congratulations to the Opera development team on the release of the Arm-optimised version of the Opera browser. Microsoft is excited to see a leading application like Opera now available natively for Windows devices powered by Snapdragon. This application ecosystem momentum provides users with the best browsing experience."

Upendra Kulkarni, Vice President of Compute SW Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies, expressed similar enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled that Opera has been optimised for PCs powered by Snapdragon X Series. This will bring Opera users the best experience built on the performance of Snapdragon X Series for the next generation of PCs and laptops with the most advanced AI capabilities at their fingertips."

The Arm-optimised version of the Opera browser not only delivers superior performance on the fastest machines available but also enhances Opera's AI capabilities. With the power of Arm architecture, users can expect a more intelligent and responsive browsing experience. Opera's AI-centric features, such as downloading Local Language Models, will see a significant performance boost on Snapdragon-based Windows systems, thanks to Neural Processing Units (NPUs) in Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus. These specialised processor blocks efficiently handle AI tasks, offering users quicker training and analysis of custom language data, more responsive and accurate results, and improved effectiveness for tasks like text generation, sentiment analysis, or custom voice commands.

Devices powered by Snapdragon also promise significantly better battery life. The power-efficient design allows users to browse longer on a single charge, and the reduced instruction set computing (RISC) optimisation contributes to a more efficient system with longer battery life and cooler operating temperatures.

The Snapdragon-optimised version of Opera will initially be available in the developer stream of the browser, providing early adopters the opportunity to try it on new Windows devices equipped with this Arm-based processor. For those using Snapdragon-powered Windows devices, Opera offers the fastest browsing experience yet.