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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- OpenAI’s Atlas browser is right here for Mac customers, with Agent mode.
- Agent navigates websites, fills carts, and performs real-world activity.
- My fast buying check reveals loads of potential – and small hurdles.
OpenAI has launched its new AI browser, Atlas, but it surely’s solely accessible to Mac customers for now.
I watched the corporate’s demo this afternoon and instantly needed to attempt it, being a Mac person myself. The brand new browser combines what looks as if one of the best of ChatGPT with a full-featured internet interface. And, for Plus and Pro users, it features a highly effective Agent mode that provides ChatGPT the flexibility to take over your browser, click on round, and carry out duties for you.
(Disclosure: Ziff Davis, ZDNET’s mum or dad firm, filed an April 2025 lawsuit towards OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in coaching and working its AI programs.)
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I wished to see how far this might go, so I put Agent to work on one thing I might usually do myself: ordering groceries and {hardware} provides from Walmart for same-day supply.
Making an attempt Atlas with Agent for errands
During OpenAI’s demo, CEO Sam Altman and different executives confirmed off Agent mode by asking ChatGPT to learn a recipe, then order the substances for eight folks from Safeway through Instacart — all with out anybody having to click on a factor. It was spectacular.
However I dwell in a rural space the place Instacart would not exist, and Walmart is likely one of the few native shops that delivers. I figured it will make the proper check case for Atlas and Agent mode. To maintain issues easy, although, I made a decision to simply purchase a number of gadgets as a substitute of the 50-plus merchandise I normally order throughout my weekly grocery deliveries.
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After downloading Atlas, the setup course of requested me to import Chrome information, use Apple Keychain for passwords, and set it as my default browser. As soon as I authorised these and different permissions, the browser launched.
The interface jogs my memory of a brand new Google Chrome tab — a easy white web page with a search field within the heart and a few options beneath. OpenAI mentioned these options will get higher over time based mostly on my searching habits and utilization information.
I toggled on Agent mode, chosen the choice to remain logged in so ChatGPT may work inside my signed-in accounts, and entered my first immediate:
“Order me wooden putty, paintable caulk, and 2-inch screws from Walmart.”
Agent instantly took over my Atlas tab — cursor and all — whereas I sat again and watched. That is the place I may most likely go do different issues and test again in a couple of minutes, however I wished to see what Agent would do.
The place issues obtained bumpy
Straight away, Agent bumped into some hurdles. Walmart’s web site threw up a language-selection pop-up that appeared to dam Agent from navigating. Regardless of giving Atlas entry to my Chrome data and Keychain, I wasn’t logged into Walmart within the browser, so Agent additionally did not know my location or default retailer. With out that data, it could not inform which merchandise had been in inventory for supply.
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I finished the session, signed into Walmart manually, reselected Agent mode, and refined my immediate:
“Order me 5 wooden putty, 5 paintable caulk, and one pack of 2-inch screws. I need them delivered to my home from the Malone, NY, location in an hour.”
Agent began over, this time efficiently looking and including gadgets to the cart. However I seen it wasn’t selecting the manufacturers I normally purchase — despite the fact that I might bought them earlier than. So I attempted one other refinement to my immediate:
“Order me 5 wooden putty, 5 paintable caulk, and one pack of 2-inch screws. I need them delivered to my home from the Malone, NY, location in an hour. I’ve ordered these earlier than, so use my previous purchases to seek out the suitable merchandise and types I exploit.”
This time, it labored.
Agent went to my buy historical past in Walmart, looked for the merchandise, discovered them in my previous orders, and loaded up my Walmart cart accurately. When the checkout display screen appeared, I solely needed to choose a supply window, modify the tip, and ensure cost.
My order is now on its manner.
What labored and what’s subsequent
Total, the expertise is half magic, half refining. After adjusting my immediate a number of occasions and manually signing into Walmart, Agent mode understood the duty completely, interacted with Walmart’s on-line retailer, and obtained me nearly all the way in which to checkout.
It struggled with pop-ups and my buying preferences once I wasn’t signed in to Walmart and did not consult with my buy historical past with out me telling it to take action immediately. Nonetheless, for a first-day check, and for being model 1.0, it is surprisingly succesful. I may’ve most likely finished the order sooner myself, certain, however watching ChatGPT Agent really navigate a dwell web site, click on by means of menus, and construct a buying cart was undeniably cool. The entire expertise took me about 10 minutes. Not unhealthy, proper?
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I am unable to wait to see what else I can do. I believe it might be superior to make use of across the holidays. As an example, I am already planning to ask it to seek out the most well liked toys for 4-year-olds on Amazon, filter by finest sellers and evaluations, persist with a funds, and fill out my cart routinely. If it really works, it may save me hours of gift-hunting — or no less than encourage a number of nice current concepts.
It is early days, but when OpenAI retains updating Atlas and Agent mode, which it plans to do, they may simply develop into one of many most useful AI tools accessible for on a regular basis customers.
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