OpenAI introduces ChatGPT Atlas; a browser designed for AI assistance

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Atlas, a new web browser for macOS with its core AI technology built directly into the experience. The move puts the large language model at the centre of web browsing, aiming to deliver a "super-assistant" that understands user context and can complete tasks across the internet.

Atlas allows moving the AI from a separate conversational interface into the primary tool people use to interact with the web. By building ChatGPT into the browser, users can access its help without copying, pasting, or leaving the current page.

AI Assistance Across the Web

ChatGPT Atlas features allow the AI to follow the user anywhere on the web, giving assistance right in the window where they need it. The browser remembers the context of past chats and details, letting conversations build on prior interactions.

One user, a college student and early tester named Yogya Kalra, described how the browser streamlined his study process. He no longer switches between slides and ChatGPT or takes screenshots to ask a question. The browser’s ability to instantly understand what it views allows it to perform instant knowledge checks.

The new tab page in Atlas serves as the starting point. Users can ask a question or enter a URL, with the browser showing faster, more useful results that include chat, search links, images, videos, and news. ChatGPT can also remember what the user has explored and suggest actions, such as returning to past pages, delving deeper into a topic, or automating routine tasks.

Introducing Browser Memories and Agent Mode

Atlas brings two powerful features that enhance the AI’s capability: Browser Memories and Agent Mode.

Browser Memories: This optional feature lets ChatGPT remember context from sites visited. For example, a user could ask the AI to "Find all the job postings I was looking at last week and create a summary of industry trends so I can prepare for interviews." Users keep full control over browser memories; they can view or archive them, and deleting browsing history removes associated memories. Users can also toggle visibility on a per-site basis in the address bar, preventing the AI from viewing content or creating memories from specific pages.

Agent Mode: Available in preview for Plus, Pro, and Business users, this mode allows ChatGPT to perform work for the user by interacting with the browser. The agent can automate tasks, research, analyse, and even plan events or book appointments using the user's browsing context.

The agent works by asking the user for permission to open tabs and click elements to complete a task. Possible uses include gathering ingredients for a recipe from a grocery site and ordering them for delivery, or compiling insights for a team brief after reading past team documents.

Security and Availability

OpenAI has built safeguards into the agent capabilities. The agent cannot run code, download files, install extensions, or access other apps on a computer. For sensitive sites, such as financial platforms, it will pause and require the user to monitor its actions. Users also have the option to use the agent in logged-out mode to limit its access to sensitive data.

The company warns that the agent is still an early experience and may make mistakes. It also carries a risk of being vulnerable to hidden malicious instructions embedded in webpages, which could lead to data theft or unintended actions. OpenAI states it has focused on safeguards and continually monitors for vulnerabilities. By default, the content users browse does not train the models. Users must opt-in to “include web browsing” in data controls.

ChatGPT Atlas is launching globally on macOS for Free, Plus, Pro, and Go users. It is also in beta for Business, Enterprise, and Edu users. Versions for Windows, iOS, and Android are coming soon. Users can get started by downloading Atlas and importing bookmarks, passwords, and history from their current browser