Opera Introduces Opera Air, a Mindfulness-Focused Web Browser

Opera, a well-known web browser, is introducing Opera Air, a new browser designed around mindfulness. The app boasts a "minimalist Scandinavian design" and frosted glass accents, which complement the mindfulness concept. While visually appealing, Opera Air incorporates features for relaxation, concentration, resting, and more, typically found in meditation apps.

Relaxation and Focus Features

Opera Air offers four break modes: breathing, neck exercises, meditation, and "full body scan." These breaks can be as short as three minutes or as long as 15 and can be taken voluntarily or by setting a timer. Breathing exercises and meditation can help calm users down by lowering stress levels, while neck exercises help loosen sore neck muscles. The full body scan is a different type of meditation that involves focusing attention on various body parts and the sensations that arise.

Binaural Beats and Boosts

Opera Air also incorporates binaural beats as "boosts." Binaural beats are an audio illusion created when two slightly different frequencies are played in each ear, tricking the brain into "hearing" a third frequency. Opera Air has several boosts that improve creativity, help with focus, and induce relaxation, among others. The company even claims that one of these boosts can help users recall dreams.

A Science-Based Approach to Mindfulness

According to Senior Director of Product at Opera Mohamed Salah, the web can be overwhelming, and the company wants to "look at science-based ways" to help users navigate chaotic and sometimes hostile online environments. While mindfulness apps like Headspace exist, Opera Air packs those features in the app many people use most frequently.

Key Features of Opera Air

• Minimalist Scandinavian design
• Frosted glass accents
• Four break modes: breathing, neck exercises, meditation, and "full body scan"
• Binaural beats as "boosts" for relaxation, focus, and creativity
• Optional timer for taking breaks
• Ability to recall dreams with certain boosts

By incorporating mindfulness features into a web browser, Opera Air aims to provide users with a more relaxing and focused online experience.