ChatGPT maker OpenAI has introduced a new artificial intelligence-powered web browser designed to rival Google Chrome, the world’s most widely used browser.
The new browser, named ChatGPT Atlas, removes the traditional address bar, a key element of internet search.
OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, said Atlas was “built around ChatGPT” as the company launched the browser on Apple’s macOS on Tuesday.
The release 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 search and browse automatically 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, Mr. Altman announced that ChatGPT had reached 800 million weekly active users, doubling from 400 million in February, according to Demandsage.
“I believe that early adopters will kick the tyres on the new OpenAI browser,” said Pat Moorhead, CEO and chief analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. However, he expressed doubt that Atlas would significantly challenge Chrome or Microsoft Edge, saying that “more mainstream, beginners, and corporate users will just wait for their favourite browsers to offer this capability.”
Moorhead added that Microsoft Edge already offers similar features.
The launch comes a year after Google was found to hold an illegal monopoly in online search. Although the US Justice Department sought to have Chrome spun off, the court did not order such a move.
Meanwhile, more internet users are turning to large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT for answers and recommendations. According to research firm Datos, as of July, 5.99% of desktop searches were made through LLMs more than double last year’s figure.
Google has also increased its investment in AI and now prioritises AI-generated responses in its search results.
- BBC