With a browser landscape dominated by Chrome, Safari and Firefox, Opera announced a new product called Neon, which the company is touting as the future of web browsing, to remain relevant in the field.

Opera Concept Browser

As of yet, though Opera Neon is still a concept browser, it is already available for download. Note that the idea of a concept browser is quite new so, it is still uncertain whether it differs from a developer or beta build. Apparently, it is verging into becoming an operating system since it somehow channels a ChromeOS atmosphere.

Neon Interface

Users will be greeted by a browser window once they open the app. However, a panel with little bubbles that likely works as desktop icons. A new window will open inside once these are opened, complete with its individual URL box.

Though it's immovable, users can still toggle it so as it will work alongside other windows that has some similarities with the Android Nougat's multi-window feature. In addition, the Google Search box is somehow embedded on neon's background as it uses the users' desktop wallpaper.

Though some observers said that the tab functionality has been eliminated, Neon more likely just implemented a different approach to it. Reportedly, the tabs are currently presented as round icons on the right side of the screen and still function like tabs wherein clicking one will open the corresponding window; it has the ability to exit the window via the X indicator as well.

Furthermore, there is also a persistent set of icons on the left sides which are also called as apps that can be used to toggle functions like playback of media content and dedicated gallery of snapped websites.

Shortcomings and Potential

The graphics and the style of Neon are refreshing but it might not be as effective in computers having smaller screens. Given that Neon has used icons on both sides of the screen that even includes the gaps that they occupy.

The icons may look messy in the desktop especially when its compared with the Windows task bar. In general, Neon has a potential and it wouldn't be suprising if it competes with ChromeOS or even Windows considering that Neon has overlaying its entire desktop with its own little ecosystem that apparently threatens to keep the user's attention to it.