OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, has introduced a new AI-powered web browser designed to rival Google Chrome, the world’s most used browser.
The new browser, called ChatGPT Atlas, eliminates the traditional address bar, a key element of Internet search.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said Atlas was “built around ChatGPT” when the company launched the browser on Apple’s macOS on Tuesday.
The launch marks OpenAI’s latest step in finding new ways to generate revenue from its growing AI ecosystem. According to the company, Atlas includes a paid agent mode that allows ChatGPT to automatically search and navigate for users. The feature is limited to paid ChatGPT subscribers and is designed to make browsing “faster and more useful by working with your browsing context.”
OpenAI has also been expanding its online ecosystem through partnerships with Etsy, Shopify, Expedia, and Booking.com, integrating its chatbot with popular e-commerce and travel platforms.
At the company’s recent DevDay event, Altman announced that ChatGPT had reached 800 million weekly active users, double the 400 million in February, according to Demandsage.
“I think early adopters will stop using the new OpenAI browser,” said Pat Moorhead, CEO and chief analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. However, he expressed doubt that Atlas will significantly challenge Chrome or Microsoft Edge, saying that “most mainstream, entry-level, and corporate users will simply wait for their favorite browsers to offer this capability.”
Moorhead added that Microsoft Edge already offers similar features.
The launch comes a year after Google was found to have an illegal monopoly on online searches. Although the US Department of Justice attempted to spin off Chrome, the court did not order such a move.
Meanwhile, more and more Internet users are turning to large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT for answers and recommendations. According to research firm Data, in July, 5.99% of desktop searches were conducted through LLM, more than double last year’s figure.
Google has also increased its investment in AI and now prioritizes AI-generated answers in its search results.
(BBC)
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