OpenAI has introduced a new web browser called Atlas, designed to integrate its ChatGPT technology directly into the browsing experience. The launch marks the company's entry into a market long dominated by Google Chrome, which currently serves billions of users worldwide.

Atlas is initially available for macOS and aims to streamline how users interact with the internet. Instead of relying solely on traditional search bars and tabs, the browser incorporates ChatGPT to assist users in real time. This includes interpreting page content, answering questions, and completing tasks without requiring users to switch between apps or copy and paste information.

One of Atlas’s standout features is “agent mode,” which allows ChatGPT to perform actions on behalf of the user, such as navigating websites, summarizing content, or planning tasks. This mode uses browsing history and context to anticipate user needs, although it is currently in preview and may not yet handle complex workflows reliably.

Atlas also introduces “browser memories,” which enable ChatGPT to recall information from previously visited sites to improve future interactions. These memories are optional and can be managed or deleted by users at any time. OpenAI emphasizes that users retain control over what ChatGPT can access and that browsing data is not used to train models unless explicitly permitted.

The browser’s release comes amid growing interest in AI-powered tools for web navigation and information retrieval. While ChatGPT has attracted hundreds of millions of users, concerns remain about the accuracy of AI-generated content. A recent study found that a significant portion of AI responses contained factual errors or lacked proper sourcing.

Atlas is currently available to Free, Plus, Pro, and Go users on macOS, with versions for Windows, iOS, and Android expected in the future. Business and enterprise users can access Atlas in beta, depending on administrative settings.

Sources:

• OpenAI: Introducing ChatGPT Atlas

• Reuters: OpenAI unveils AI browser Atlas

• DW: OpenAI launches browser to rival Google Chrome