OpenAI has launched a new artificial intelligence-based web browser named ChatGPT Atlas, aimed at competing with popular browsers such as Google Chrome. This browser, which debuted on Tuesday for Apple’s macOS, features a unique design that eliminates the traditional address bar, with CEO Sam Altman stating that it is “built around ChatGPT.”
The introduction of Atlas is part of OpenAI’s strategy to explore monetization avenues and leverage its expanding user base. A notable feature of the browser is a paid agent mode, available exclusively to ChatGPT subscribers, which enables the chatbot to perform searches autonomously, supposedly enhancing user experience by integrating with their browsing context.
Additionally, OpenAI has formed partnerships with various e-commerce platforms like Etsy and Shopify, as well as travel services including Expedia and Booking.com, in an effort to attract users to its online offerings. Earlier this month during OpenAI’s DevDay event, Altman revealed that ChatGPT has experienced substantial growth, reaching 800 million weekly active users, a notable increase from 400 million in February, according to data from Demandsage.
Industry analyst Pat Moorhead expressed doubt regarding Atlas’s potential to challenge established browsers like Chrome or Microsoft Edge, suggesting that more mainstream users might prefer to stick with their familiar options. He noted that Microsoft Edge already incorporates many similar features found in Atlas.
OpenAI’s entry into the browser market comes in the context of recent discussions surrounding Google’s monopoly status in online search. Although the U.S. Justice Department did not mandate the separation of Chrome from Google, ongoing scrutiny persists regarding Google’s dominance. Meanwhile, trends indicate that an increasing number of users are turning to large language models like ChatGPT for search, with a reported 5.99% of desktop search traffic attributed to LLMs as of July, a significant rise over the previous year. Google, too, has been investing in AI, prioritizing AI-generated responses in its search results.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07mz10m1k9o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss