One Browser Overturns the 'Established Norms'

On October 22, during a 22-minute launch event, OpenAI introduced its inaugural AI-native browser, ChatGPT Atlas.

Visually, Atlas bears a resemblance to Chrome, featuring tabs and a bookmark bar.

Its distinctiveness stems from innovative capabilities that tackle the shortcomings of existing browsers:

Single-page task fulfillment eliminates the need for the conventional multi-step search process. Regardless of the webpage accessed, users can effortlessly select text and instantly perform tasks using the floating 'Ask ChatGPT' feature. This includes summarizing, translating, comparing prices, writing annotations, managing shopping carts, annotating articles, adjusting tone, formatting PDFs, and more.

Extended memory: It automatically links and records browsing history and user instructions. For instance, users can directly request, "Create an interview checklist based on the job postings I bookmarked last week."

Agent mode for genuine assistance: With the command "Book the cheapest flight to Beijing next Monday," Atlas can autonomously navigate airline websites, complete forms, and place orders after user authorization. Users retain the ability to intervene at any point during the process.

At present, ChatGPT users have the option to download Atlas from chatgpt.com/atlas, import data from their previous browsers, and enjoy a complimentary 7-day membership.

Diverse Reactions

OpenAI CEO Altman articulated his ambition at the launch: "This is not a mere product update. We are not constructing a superior browser; we are reimagining how humans should interact with the internet."

Despite Atlas's significant limitations—such as its exclusive compatibility with Mac computers equipped with M-series chips (with Windows and mobile versions still in development), questionable speed and accuracy in handling complex tasks, and a lack of novelty in its agent functions compared to other browsers—these drawbacks have not overshadowed its industry-wide impact.

Google has responded most vigorously. With Chrome's 71% market share suddenly under threat, internal emails have unveiled emergency response measures, such as the 'Atlas War Room.' Consequently, its parent company's stock price plummeted by 4.8%, resulting in a loss of billions in market value.

Microsoft Edge's recently integrated Copilot has faced criticism for being "underwhelming" and "merely a toolbar upgrade." The initial excitement has waned, and audience interest has diminished.

Other browsers, including Arc and Sigma, have taken to Twitter overnight, expressing gratitude to OpenAI for elevating market standards and acknowledging the product's educational value for the industry.

Three Key Sectors Under Threat

Should Atlas's minimalist approach of "one search box for everything" prove effective, the entire internet's traffic logic, advertising models, and e-commerce pathways may require a complete overhaul.

In the search sector, its revenue-generating "three critical areas" are also undergoing transformation.

Firstly, the advertising revenue model faces direct disruption. Atlas controls the user's visual interface, and its "ask and leave" minimalist approach bypasses the ad cascade (waterfall of ads) on results pages, effectively eliminating ad inventory.

Secondly, it dismantles long-standing barriers to user loyalty. Atlas can effortlessly import bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history with a single click, facilitating easy browser switching for users.

If 10% of ChatGPT's 80 million weekly active users transition to Atlas, it could not only challenge Microsoft Edge's third-place position but also threaten Chrome's dominance.

Thirdly, the traffic pricing system is poised for reconstruction. The agent mode enables skipping webpages. Once agent functions (such as Atlas booking tickets without multiple redirects) become standard, traditional CPC (cost-per-click) models will be uprooted. According to past Wall Street estimates, a 1% decrease in Google's search volume could result in a $2 billion annual revenue loss.

Healthy Competition Bodes Well for the Future

Nevertheless, the stock prices of traditional browser players like Google have since rebounded.

This indicates that the market has not dismissed them but rather categorized them as "needing to compete."

Behind the stock rebound lies the inauguration of the "AI-native + agent execution" combination and the commencement of the AI browser race.

We anticipate all browsers rolling out AI versions within a year, fostering a climate of healthy competition.