Observe ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
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 job.
- My fast procuring check reveals plenty of potential – and small hurdles.
OpenAI has launched its new AI browser, Atlas, but it surely’s solely obtainable to Mac customers for now.
I watched the corporate’s demo this afternoon and instantly needed to attempt it, being a Mac consumer myself. The brand new browser combines what looks as if one of the best of ChatGPT with a full-featured net interface. And, for Plus and Pro users, it features a highly effective Agent mode that offers ChatGPT the power 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.)
Additionally: How to use ChatGPT: A beginner’s guide to the most popular AI chatbot
I needed to see how far this might go, so I put Agent to work on one thing I would usually do myself: ordering groceries and {hardware} provides from Walmart for same-day supply.
Attempting 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 elements 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 without doubt one of the few native shops that delivers. I figured it could make the right check case for Atlas and Agent mode. To maintain issues easy, although, I made a decision to only purchase a number of gadgets as an alternative of the 50-plus merchandise I often order throughout my weekly grocery deliveries.
Additionally: ChatGPT can buy stuff for you now – forever changing online shopping
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 accredited 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 middle and a few recommendations beneath. OpenAI mentioned these recommendations will get higher over time primarily based on my searching habits and utilization information.
I toggled on Agent mode, chosen the choice to remain logged in so ChatGPT might 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 might most likely go do different issues and examine again in a couple of minutes, however I needed to see what Agent would do.
The place issues obtained bumpy
Instantly, Agent bumped into some hurdles. Walmart’s website 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 information, it could not inform which merchandise had been in inventory for supply.
Additionally: ChatGPT wants to act more like an OS – as it transforms into an app platform
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 out and including gadgets to the cart. However I observed it wasn’t selecting the manufacturers I often purchase — despite the fact that I would 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 precise merchandise and types I take advantage of.”
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 appropriately. When the checkout display screen appeared, I solely needed to choose a supply window, regulate the tip, and make sure fee.
My order is now on its approach.
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 best way to checkout.
It struggled with pop-ups and my procuring 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 straight. Nonetheless, for a first-day check, and for being model 1.0, it is surprisingly succesful. I might’ve most likely achieved the order sooner myself, positive, however watching ChatGPT Agent really navigate a dwell web site, click on via menus, and construct a procuring cart was undeniably cool. The entire expertise took me about 10 minutes. Not unhealthy, proper?
Additionally: ChatGPT just saved me 25% off my dinner tonight – here’s how
I am unable to wait to see what else I can do. I feel 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 popular toys for 4-year-olds on Amazon, filter by greatest sellers and evaluations, follow a finances, and fill out my cart mechanically. If it really works, it might save me hours of gift-hunting — or not 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 turn out to be one of many most useful AI tools obtainable for on a regular basis customers.
Need extra tales about AI? Try AI Leaderboard, our weekly publication.
