Opera has introduced a new update for Opera Neon that expands its AI capabilities by allowing third-party assistants such as ChatGPT and Claude to directly control the browser.
The feature, called MCP Connector, is now available for paid Neon users. Opera also plans to bring a simplified version of this functionality to its other browsers in the future.
MCP Connector Enables Direct AI Control
The update is built around the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard introduced by Anthropic. MCP allows AI tools to connect with applications without requiring separate integrations for each service.
With MCP in place, compatible AI systems such as ChatGPT, Claude, n8n, Lovable, and OpenClaw can connect directly to Opera Neon. This gives them visibility into what is displayed on the screen and enables them to interact with the browser in real time.
Expanding Beyond Native AI Features
Opera Neon was already designed as an agentic browser, where its built-in AI could perform tasks for users. The MCP Connector extends this capability to external AI tools.
As a result, the browser is no longer limited to Opera’s own AI system. Any AI that supports MCP can now similarly operate within the browser environment.
Real-Time Task Execution Inside the Browser
With the new update, users can ask AI tools to carry out browsing tasks directly. This includes searching for information, opening websites, navigating across pages, and completing actions across multiple tabs.
The AI can access the current browsing context, allowing it to respond to tasks more effectively. It can move between pages, interact with on-screen elements, and complete multi-step workflows while users focus on the outcome.
Shift Toward AI-Controlled Browsing
The update reflects a broader shift in how AI is being integrated into web browsers. Earlier developments focused on adding AI-powered features, followed by the introduction of AI-first browsers such as Perplexity’s Comet and OpenAI’s Atlas.
Opera had already positioned Neon as a browser built around task automation. With the MCP Connector, the company is moving further by enabling external AI systems to take control of browsing activities.
While the feature is currently limited to Opera Neon, Opera’s plans to expand MCP support suggest that similar capabilities could become more widely available across its browser lineup.
