OpenAI's Atlas Browser Faces Criticism: 'What's the Point?'

OpenAI's New AI Browser 'Atlas' Sparks Debate and Criticism Amidst Doubts About Utility

OpenAI has ignited a new wave of competition in the artificial intelligence arena with the release of its new web browser, 'Atlas.' Atlas aims to provide users with enhanced agent capabilities by embedding OpenAI's flagship model, ChatGPT, directly into the browser. However, almost immediately after its launch, criticism arose, with some questioning its purpose and practical utility. Doubts about Atlas's actual usefulness are mounting. Some in the IT industry suggest that Atlas is merely a technological showpiece, and concerns are being raised about OpenAI's strategic direction. Critics are questioning whether Atlas truly offers essential functions and value to users, and are urging OpenAI to engage in deeper reflection on the ethical responsibilities and societal impact of AI technology. The success of Atlas is expected to provide significant insights into OpenAI's future technology development direction and the AI industry as a whole. Atlas is currently only available on macOS and is limited to OpenAI's paid subscribers. This suggests that Atlas is still in its early stages and is undergoing testing and refinement targeting a specific user base. One of Atlas's core features is Agent Mode. This mode is designed to automatically search and analyze necessary information on behalf of the user, handling complex tasks simultaneously. For example, if a user needs to write a report on a specific topic, Atlas's Agent Mode can automatically collect and summarize relevant materials to generate a draft. It can also simultaneously visit multiple websites to compare and analyze needed information, or connect to reservation systems to automatically book the optimal time and place. These agent capabilities are expected to save users time and effort while enabling more efficient information access and utilization. However, based on the information available so far, it is difficult to clearly determine how Atlas's agent functions differ from existing search engines or automation tools. In the period surrounding the launch of Atlas, there has been a surge in initiatives to build payment systems utilizing agent technology. Coinbase first unveiled x402 in May, and in September, it launched the 'x402 Foundation' jointly with Cloudflare, accelerating the development of related technologies. In October, major payment networks such as Google's 'AP2' and Visa's 'TAP' announced agent-centric payment rules one after another, jumping into the competition to build next-generation payment systems. This suggests that agent technology can bring innovation not only to information retrieval and analysis tools but also to the financial and payment sectors. Payment systems utilizing agent technology are expected to analyze users' payment patterns and preferences to provide customized payment options, detect and prevent fraudulent transactions, and offer other diverse features. However, payment systems using agent technology also raise concerns about privacy and security. If users' payment information is leaked or misused, it could cause serious damage. Therefore, a robust security system and privacy policy are essential to safely build and operate payment systems using agent technology. With the launch of OpenAI's Atlas, along with the launch of Coinbase's x402 Foundation, and the announcement of agent-centric payment rules by Google and Visa, there have been a series of attempts to utilize agent technology in the artificial intelligence and blockchain industries. This trend suggests that agent technology is one of the key drivers that will lead future technology trends. Agent technology can automate simple repetitive tasks, support user decision-making, and create new services, bringing innovation to various fields. However, the development of agent technology also requires in-depth discussion on ethical and social issues. Agent technology could lead to unexpected side effects such as job losses, privacy violations, or exacerbated social inequalities. Therefore, it is important to consider ethical standards and social responsibility in the process of developing and utilizing agent technology. OpenAI's AI browser for macOS, 'Atlas,' officially launched on October 21, 2025, has received mixed reviews since its initial release. While some experts predict that Atlas can innovatively improve the browsing experience by utilizing artificial intelligence technology, others are critical, questioning its practical effectiveness. In particular, the fact that Atlas is only available to paid subscribers raises accessibility issues and may make it difficult to secure a broad user base. There is also criticism that there is insufficient evidence to show how Atlas's agent functions provide differentiated value compared to existing browser extensions or automation tools. OpenAI should continuously improve Atlas's features and actively reflect user feedback to ensure that Atlas can establish itself as a browser that users truly need. The success of Atlas is expected to significantly impact OpenAI's future technology development strategy and the competitive landscape of the artificial intelligence browser market.