Opera introduces a new web standard for running local AI in the browser
Browser maker Opera has launched a new web standard called WebAI that allows users to run artificial intelligence models directly on their own devices.
2 min read·Wednesday, 28 October
Browser maker Opera has introduced a new web standard that lets users run artificial intelligence models directly in its browser, without relying on the cloud.
The new standard, WebAI, is designed to work with a variety of AI models. Opera highlights Google's Gemma — an open-weight model where the underlying numerical parameters are publicly accessible — as one example. On Mac computers, WebAI also supports Apple's on-device foundation model.
Key facts
Standard
WebAI
Opera notes that WebAI is not tied to any single model and can support a wide range of open-weight systems. The standard grew out of previous work by the company to bring locally run models into its browsers.
Opera is making the new AI features available as an early preview in its flagship Opera One browser. The company states that Opera GX, its browser built for gamers and streamers, and Opera Neon, its browser that uses autonomous programs to perform tasks, will soon receive the same features. Users must choose to opt into the capability.
Open-weight models provide several benefits. They are typically free to download and use, and developers gain more freedom to customize how they work.
Privacy and trade-offs
Running models locally offers privacy advantages. Users can use AI features without sending personal information to external servers or paying for a cloud-based subscription. Developers can also add AI features without running expensive infrastructure or paying for every individual request.
WebAI allows users to generate text, classify content, and understand how pieces of information relate directly within the browser. However, running models locally puts more demand on a user's computer, and performance depends entirely on the device's hardware.
Google AI Edge Gallery & Gemma 4 Setup GuideFree guide
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