OpenAI launched its new AI-powered web browser, "ChatGPT Atlas," on Tuesday (October 21). Following the launch, shares of Google's parent company, Alphabet, saw a sharp decline, slashing Google's market value by $150 billion, or ₹13.15 lakh crore, in a single day.
Alphabet shares closed down 2.21% at $251.34. During trading, the stock hit a low of $244.67, representing a 4.19% drop from its day's high of $255.38. The company's market value currently stands at $3.03 trillion, or ₹265.93 lakh crore.
To introduce the browser, OpenAI first shared a six-second video on X, showcasing browser tabs. CEO Sam Altman then announced ChatGPT Atlas in a livestream.
Sam Altman shared a post on X
Sam Altman also shared a post on the social media platform X. He wrote, "Our new AI-first web browser, 'ChatGPT Atlas,' is available for macOS. Please provide your feedback; other platforms will be available soon."
What's so special about ChatGPT Atlas?
Atlas isn't just any ordinary browser. It's built on Chromium technology, just like Google Chrome, but ChatGPT is integrated into every webpage. This means you don't need to switch tabs or copy and paste text to ask a question.
Its most notable feature is Agent Mode, in which AI can control your cursor and keyboard to perform complex tasks, such as booking a flight, researching products, or editing documents. You can simply watch it or walk away.
Atlas is currently only available on macOS
Currently, this feature is only available for Plus and Pro subscribers, but free users of the basic browser can also use it. Atlas is currently available on macOS, and mobile and Windows versions will soon be available.
Altman said, "We believe AI can completely transform the browser." At the launch of Atlas, Altman was accompanied by engineers who had previously developed browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
Why did it impact Google?
The reason Atlas's launch impacts Google is that a significant portion of Google's revenue comes from search advertising. However, AI-powered browsers and search engines like Atlas are challenging Google's advertising-based model by providing direct answers. OpenAI already has 800 million weekly ChatGPT users, who could easily adopt Atlas.
What is Google's preparation?
Google recently integrated Gemini AI into its Chrome browser. Last month, Google narrowly avoided a court case seeking to unbundle its browser.
Google's third-quarter earnings are due on October 29th, and investors will be watching to see if this AI battle is impacting Google's search business.
What's next?
This battle between ChatGPT Atlas and Google Chrome could bring about significant changes in the tech world. While OpenAI is striving to make browsing easier and faster through AI, Google is taking every step to protect its dominance.