OpenAI has rolled out ChatGPT Atlas -an AI-driven web browser that features the company's chatbot at its centre, posing a major threat to Google Chrome's reign of the browser space. The browser is available worldwide to macOS users now, with Windows, iOS, and Android editions to follow.
Rethinking what a browser can be
CEO Sam Altman called the release "a rare once-a-decade opportunity to rethink what a browser can be about," positioning Atlas as something greater than other browsers. In fact, it integrates ChatGPT into the browsing experience so users can interact with the AI assistant without the need to switch tabs or cut and paste content between apps.
Three key features that set Atlas apart
Firstly, A ChatGPT sidebar is provided with any webpage, where users can summarise text, analyse data, or receive help with tasks in real-time. The browser's "cursor chat" functionality enables users to select text within emails or documents and instantly ask ChatGPT to edit or polish it in line.
Secondly, Atlas comes with browser memories-optional context retention that enables ChatGPT to retain specifics from pages users browse. Users can ask for summaries such as "Get everything I browsed for jobs last week and summarise industry trends," with complete choice to see, archive, or delete these memories whenever they want.
Thirdly, the browser's agent mode, previewed for Plus, Pro, and Business users, lets ChatGPT act on behalf of users, making reservations, buying things, doing research, or editing documents independently, with users still in control.
Privacy controls and safety restrictions
OpenAI indicates it will not train its models using browsing content by default, Times of India reported. Users can switch which sites ChatGPT can browse, erase browsing history to remove corresponding memories, and employ incognito mode to temporarily log out of ChatGPT. The agent mode features safety restrictions; it cannot execute code, download files, access other programs, or engage with financial websites without user oversight.
A strategic threat to Google and complex ties with Microsoft
The Atlas launch represents a critical increase in the AI-browser war, with near-term market implications. A Times of India report says that Google's stock fell 3 % after the announcement, indicating investor nervousness at a challenge to Chrome's long-established dominance. Google rolled out its Comet AI browser in July, introduced Gemini more deeply into Chrome last month, and Microsoft keeps deeper integrating Copilot features for Edge, much of it enabled by OpenAI models. What makes OpenAI’s entry particularly complex is its relationship with Microsoft-simultaneously its largest investor, strategic partner, and now, browser competitor.
