I came across ChatGPT Atlas, an “AI browser” that promises to change how we browse the web. Obviously, I was curious and tried it thoroughly. Spoiler: it could have been an extension and it's okay to say it straight.
What it brings to the table (and why it didn't convince me)
* What it is: a Chromium-based browser with an AI side panel to chat with the page, ask for summaries, extract key points and throw out quick prompts like “explain this to me” or “write an email.”
* The good: It starts up easy, the interface is clean, and the quick summarize/rewrite actions work. If you don't want to configure anything, it solves it for you in one click.
*Meh:
+ It is “another Chromium”. You end up with another profile, different shortcuts, and the ritual of reinstalling extensions.
+ What it does can be solved with extensions in Chrome/Brave/Edge or with ChatGPT/Claude itself in a tab next to it.
+ Unnecessary friction: Opening a separate browser just to ask the AI to summarize the page you already had open doesn't close.
+ Privacy vibes: like any “AI in the browser”, to summarize, it will ask you to send content to a backend. If you are jealous of traffic, be careful there.
* The bottom line: if you already use Chrome or any other Chromium-based browser, I don't see strong reasons to join Atlas. It is more “packaging” than product.
Alternatives I prefer
* Any Chromium + AI extensions for summarization/rewriting. There are thousands and they do the same thing without changing browsers.
* If you like autarky, you can build something with a local LLM (like LM Studio + browser plugin) and you have control over your data.
* Simple flows: keyboard shortcuts, snippets and a couple of bookmarks with well thought out prompts. Less glamour, more speed.
##Video
Closing
Atlas may be useful to someone who wants “everything in one” without touching anything. For now, I'll pass: I prefer to add an extension or two and that's it. Are we facing the future of browsers with AI or in the era of ChatGPT clones with new skin? I read you in the comments. Meanwhile, I continue with my mate, my usual Chromium and a couple of well-placed shortcuts.
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> Original article in Spanish: El navegador que tendria que haber sido una extensión: ChatGPT Atlas