ChatGPT Atlas isn't just a browser with an AI chatbot added—it's a complete rethinking of how AI and web browsing can work together. Here's a comprehensive look at the features that set Atlas apart.
1. Agent Mode - AI That Acts for You
The most groundbreaking feature of Atlas is agent mode, where ChatGPT can autonomously take actions in your browser to complete tasks.
What Agent Mode Can Do
- Multi-Tab Research: Open and analyze multiple websites, comparing information and compiling insights
- Form Filling: Complete forms with your information (with your permission)
- Shopping Tasks: Find products, add to cart, compare prices across sites
- Data Collection: Gather information from multiple sources and create summaries
- Workflow Automation: Perform repetitive browsing tasks automatically
- Event Planning: Research venues, compare options, and compile recommendations
How It Works
When you ask ChatGPT to complete a task that requires browsing, it will ask permission to activate agent mode. You'll see it:
- Opening new tabs and navigating to websites
- Clicking buttons and links
- Scrolling and reading page content
- Filling out forms and search boxes
- Moving between pages to gather information
You can watch everything it does in real-time and stop it at any moment.
Safety Guardrails
OpenAI has implemented multiple safety measures for agent mode:
- Cannot run code, download files, or install extensions
- Cannot access your file system or other applications
- Pauses on sensitive sites like banks to ensure you're monitoring
- Can be used in logged-out mode to limit access to your accounts
- All actions are visible and can be stopped instantly
Availability: Agent mode is currently in preview for Plus, Pro, and Business users. It's being rapidly improved for reliability and complex task completion.
2. Browser Memories - Contextual Intelligence
Browser memories allow ChatGPT to remember key details from websites you visit, creating a personalized browsing experience.
What Browser Memories Remember
- Research Interests: Topics you're exploring, so ChatGPT can suggest related content
- Products Viewed: Items you've looked at for shopping comparisons and recommendations
- Project Context: Details about work projects gathered from documentation you read
- Learning Progress: Educational materials you've studied for personalized learning paths
- Preferences: Types of content, sources, and formats you prefer
Example Use Cases
- "Find all the job postings I was looking at last week and create a summary of industry trends"
- "Based on the recipes I've been viewing, suggest a meal plan for this week"
- "Continue my research on React best practices from where I left off yesterday"
- "Create a to-do list from the project documentation I reviewed this morning"
Complete Control Over Memories
Browser memories are entirely optional and under your control:
- Toggle memories on/off globally in settings
- Control per-site in the address bar whether ChatGPT can create memories
- View all memories in settings and archive individual ones
- Clear browsing history to delete associated memories
- Memories are private to your ChatGPT account
- Not used for training models by default
3. Smart New Tab Page
The new tab page in Atlas is your unified starting point for search, chat, and exploration.
Unified Search & Chat
Type a question or URL in one place. Get ChatGPT answers, web search results, and relevant links all together.
Tabbed Results
Switch between chat responses, search links, images, videos, and news without leaving the page.
Smart Suggestions
ChatGPT suggests next steps based on your browsing—return to past pages, dig deeper, or automate tasks.
Context Aware
Remembers your recent activity to provide personalized starting points and recommendations.
4. Ask ChatGPT Sidebar
Access ChatGPT assistance without leaving the page you're viewing.
- Contextual Help: ChatGPT can see and understand the current page content
- Quick Questions: Ask about what you're reading without copying text
- Summarization: Get instant summaries of long articles or documentation
- Translation: Translate page content or specific sections
- Explanations: Get difficult concepts explained in simpler terms
- Related Information: Ask for context, background, or related topics
The sidebar remembers your ChatGPT memory and conversation history, so it can draw on past discussions to help with current pages.
5. Privacy & Control Features
Atlas gives you complete transparency and control over what ChatGPT can access.
Privacy Controls
- Per-Page Visibility: Toggle in address bar to control if ChatGPT can see current page
- Incognito Mode: Browse with ChatGPT logged out completely
- Browser Memories Toggle: Turn memories on/off globally or per-site
- Browsing History Control: Clear history to remove associated memories
- Data Training Opt-Out: By default, browsing content isn't used for model training
- Parental Controls: Parents can disable browser memories and agent mode
When ChatGPT visibility is off for a page, it cannot see content, create memories, or take actions on that page. You have granular control over every aspect of AI access.
6. Model Selection & Features
Choose which ChatGPT model powers your browsing experience.
Available Models
- GPT-3.5 (Free): Fast responses for basic questions and browsing assistance
- GPT-4 (Plus/Pro): Advanced reasoning for complex research and analysis
- GPT-4 Turbo (Plus/Pro): Extended context for handling longer documents
- Voice Mode (Plus/Pro): Natural conversational interaction while browsing
The model selection persists across browsing sessions, and you can switch models anytime based on your needs.
7. Traditional Browser Features
Beyond AI, Atlas includes all the features you expect from a modern browser.
Bookmark Management
Import bookmarks from other browsers, organize in folders, and access favorites quickly.
Password Manager
Securely save and autofill passwords. Import existing passwords from other browsers.
Tab Management
Multiple tabs, tab grouping, recently closed tabs, and efficient tab switching.
Download Manager
Track downloads, organize files, and scan for security.
History & Search
Full browsing history with search, filters, and date ranges.
Developer Tools
Basic inspect element, console, and network monitoring (more tools coming).
8. Performance & Security
Atlas is built with modern web standards for speed and safety.
- Fast Rendering: Modern browser engine optimized for macOS
- Efficient Memory: Smart resource management for better battery life
- Secure by Default: HTTPS enforcement, phishing protection, safe browsing
- Automatic Updates: Regular security patches and feature improvements
- Sandboxing: Isolated processes for enhanced security
- Privacy Reports: See what trackers are blocked on each site
9. Import & Migration Tools
Easily switch to Atlas from your current browser.
What You Can Import
- Bookmarks and bookmark folders
- Saved passwords
- Browsing history
- Open tabs (from compatible browsers)
- Settings and preferences where applicable
The import process happens during first-time setup or can be accessed later from settings. Supports Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, and other major browsers.
10. Coming Soon Features
OpenAI has announced several features in development for Atlas:
- Multi-Profile Support: Separate profiles for work, personal, and different projects
- Enhanced Developer Tools: More comprehensive debugging and development features
- Extension Support: Apps SDK integration for third-party extensions
- Cross-Platform Sync: Once Windows/iOS/Android versions launch
- Improved Agent Capabilities: More complex task handling and reliability
- ARIA Tags Support: Better website compatibility with agent mode
OpenAI is shipping updates frequently. Check the official release notes for the latest additions.
Ready to Try These Features?
See our installation guide to get Atlas up and running, or explore tips and tricks to make the most of these powerful capabilities.