How ChatGPT’s New Atlas Browser is Set To Change the Way Users Browse and Shop Online
AI is now an increasingly big part of everyday life, whether that’s by automating tasks or helping us quickly find the answers to burning questions. Despite being just three years old, ChatGPT has played a huge role in the evolution of AI.
It’s estimated that over 700 million users across the world are now using ChatGPT weekly. Given this huge adoption of AI, it’s hardly surprising that the tool continues to advance.
Last month, OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT Atlas. The new web browser is designed to revolutionise the way that users interact online, with ChatGPT at its core. Currently, the browser is only available for macOS users, but it’s expected to be rolled out for Windows, iOS, and Android devices in the near future.
What is ChatGPT Atlas?
Atlas is OpenAI’s first web browser powered by ChatGPT that is set to create a more personalised web experience. In 2024, search was first introduced to ChatGPT and quickly became one of the most popular features, which was the driving force behind Atlas.
The new browser means that users will no longer have to navigate ChatGPT through a separate tab or window. Atlas can also remember details with browser memories and use this information to improve suggestions.
You might be wondering, what exactly can Atlas do? We’re taking a closer look at some of its features in more detail.
Summarise, analyse, and compare information
A new sidebar can be opened in any window where ChatGPT can quickly analyse page information and provide a summary. For example, a user is researching the best pair of running shoes to complete a marathon.
ChatGPT can quickly summarise information to let the reader know if the shoes are suitable for long-distance running. It can also provide alternative product recommendations that might more closely match what the user is looking for.
As Atlas is rolled out to more devices, this will completely change the way consumers research products online. Previously, this might have involved visiting multiple websites to find relevant information. However, Atlas collates this information in one place to unlock powerful product recommendations.
Browser memories
Atlas can remember information from users’ browsing history to provide more relevant suggestions. This means there’s no need to trawl through endless pages of browser history to resume previous searches.
In a world where online privacy is a rising concern for users, it’s important to note that browser memories can be turned off. Similar to other web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Atlas has an incognito mode feature to keep tabs on personal information.
AI agent
In July this year, ChatGPT Agent was unveiled to tackle more hands-on tasks. The agent can complete tasks on behalf of users. This includes booking flights, making reservations, and even creating presentations.
As well as this, it was announced back in September that Shopify and Etsy merchants can directly sell through conversations.
This agent functionality is incorporated into ChatGPT Atlas for Plus, Pro, and Business accounts. With agent mode, users can seamlessly research and buy products from just one conversation.
How is AI changing online browsing and shopping behaviour?
Understandably, as AI evolves, so does consumer browsing and shopping behaviour online. From spending less time researching to the rise of alternative search methods, AI is changing the entire landscape.
Less time spent researching
A study conducted by Freedom Pay in 2023 showed that British consumers spend an average of four hours a week browsing potential products. This included research and price comparisons to find the best deal across digital channels and physical stores.
AI tools like ChatGPT have the potential to dramatically reduce this time by offering relevant results, almost instantly.
Moving beyond traditional searches
In recent years, searches have predominantly been keyword-driven. But as AI progresses, it’s now becoming more interactive and conversational.
Due to an increase in smart speakers and mobile assistants, around 20.5% of the global population now uses voice searches. This equates to one billion voice searches per month.
Similarly, visual searches are also on the rise, providing a quick way to find accurate and relevant results. It’s estimated that Google Lens processes around 20 billion visual searches each month, which are directly linked to shopping.
This demonstrates that businesses need to move beyond traditional keyword-driven optimisation to succeed. But instead, focus on improving visibility for voice and image searches to stay ahead of the competition.
AI reduces cart abandonment
Cart abandonment remains a major concern for online retailers. Today’s consumer is often faced with choice paralysis, which can lead to incomplete purchases and abandonment rates hovering around 70%.
However, it’s estimated that AI-driven product discovery can reduce cart abandonment by 20-30%. This is thanks to more relevant product suggestions being served without users having to do the hard work themselves.
While cart abandonment may never go away, this reduction can help retailers claw back previously lost revenue.
Enhanced user experience
Shopping online can often be filled with friction. From long research times to find relevant products and information, to hard-to-reach customer service teams. These frustrations can understandably lead to untapped revenue opportunities.
But AI has the power to completely transform the buying experience for online shoppers. With information on previous purchases, browsing history, and user demographics, AI can provide hyper-personalised recommendations.
Thanks to the rise of AI-powered chatbots, customer service issues are also being dramatically reduced. Users can quickly access on-demand help and support without having to wait days for a reply.
AI is still rapidly evolving and hasn’t even scratched the surface of its full potential. While it can be easy to be overwhelmed by its power, it’s making browsing and buying online easier than ever before.
At SaleCycle, our technology uses AI-driven insights to deliver personalised and dynamic content that re-engages your website visitors. Interested in finding out more? Talk to us today and see how you can create a high-converting user experience.
