OpenAI – Photo: JarTee / Shutterstock.com
OpenAI announced on Tuesday (21) the launch of ChatGPT Atlas, a web browser powered by artificial intelligence. The product integrates ChatGPT’s capabilities directly into the browsing experience, aiming to make online navigation more interactive and personalized. Available immediately for macOS users worldwide, the browser enters a competitive market of digital tools. The company held a YouTube livestream where CEO Sam Altman and team members showcased Atlas’s features, following rumors about the project since July.
Versions for Windows, iOS, and Android are planned for release soon, though no specific dates were provided. The initial macOS rollout allows for large-scale testing before broader expansion. This launch marks OpenAI’s strategic move beyond its chatbot ecosystem.
Key features of the new browser
ChatGPT Atlas functions like a traditional browser, offering tabs, bookmarks, extensions, and incognito mode. Users can input a URL or ask ChatGPT a question directly from a new tab.
A dedicated ChatGPT sidebar analyzes webpages in real-time, providing summaries or quick answers without leaving the site. This streamlines research and interaction.
- Supports natural language commands, such as “reopen the shoes I viewed yesterday”;
- Integrates ChatGPT apps, including image generation and study mode;
- Offers separate tabs for search results, images, videos, and news.
Browser memory integration
Atlas’s memory feature tracks visited pages and topics to offer personalized suggestions. It can recommend related content or automate repetitive tasks.
This optional feature is accessible in settings, where users can view, edit, or delete data. It enhances efficiency for extended research sessions.
The system prioritizes user privacy, with options for anonymous browsing or full login.
Agent mode for task automation
The agent mode allows ChatGPT to perform limited actions on behalf of users, such as booking travel or online shopping. Available in beta for Plus, Pro, and Business subscribers, it includes safeguards like manual controls and stop buttons.
During the livestream, the team demonstrated the agent filling forms and gathering data. Will Ellsworth, research lead for agent mode, emphasized its speed compared to standard ChatGPT.
How to download and set up Atlas
Users can download Atlas at chatgpt.com/atlas. After installation, a ChatGPT account login is required, followed by the option to import bookmarks, passwords, and history from other browsers.
Setup takes minutes and includes toggles for memory and agent mode. Built on Chromium, Atlas supports existing extensions seamlessly.
Expansion beyond macOS
OpenAI plans to roll out Atlas for Windows in the coming months, followed by iOS and Android. The company aims to capture a share of the mobile market, where Chrome holds over 65% globally.
Adam Fry, product lead, highlighted optimizations for touch screens and voice assistant integration. Internal tests show strong performance across devices.
Competition in the browser market
The launch positions OpenAI against Google, which integrated Gemini into Chrome in September. Perplexity also released Comet, an AI-powered Chromium browser, in March.
Analysts note Atlas could appeal to users seeking conversational search over traditional results. Alphabet’s stock dipped 3% after the announcement.
