How ChatGPT Atlas, Google's AI Overviews, and Perplexity Are Changing Search

## **Introduction** A new wave of AI-powered search tools is transforming how people find information online. OpenAI’s **ChatGPT Atlas** browser, Google’s **AI Overviews** (the generative AI summaries in Google Search), and **Perplexity’s AI search engine** each offer a radically different user experience from the familiar list of blue links. Instead of traditional search engine results pages (SERPs), users are increasingly getting instant answers, summaries, and even automated task assistance. Here is what the experts are saying about Comet and Atlas: | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | **Browser** | **Positive Sentiment** | **Caution / Trade-off** | | **Comet** | • Described as “more fine-tuned… understandable considering Atlas just hit the market”. [link](https://currently.att.yahoo.com/att/chatgpt-atlas-vs-perplexity-comet-092352122.html) • Emphasises citations and research-oriented workflow. [link](https://medium.com/%40cognidownunder/perplexity-comet-vs-chatgpt-atlas-073a85ed9b54) | • Positioning as a premium product may limit casual adoption. [link](https://medium.com/%40cognidownunder/perplexity-comet-vs-chatgpt-atlas-073a85ed9b54) • Focus on enterprise/serious use might make it less “everyday browser” friendly. [link](https://medium.com/%40cognidownunder/perplexity-comet-vs-chatgpt-atlas-073a85ed9b54) | | **Atlas** | • Lauded for re-imagining the browser as conversational rather than just navigational. [link](https://medium.com/%40vinitneo/is-chatgpt-atlas-worth-using-full-review-vs-perplexity-comet-and-dia-browser-62d755317668) • Clean, minimal interface appeals to users seeking simplicity. [link](https://medium.com/%40vinitneo/is-chatgpt-atlas-worth-using-full-review-vs-perplexity-comet-and-dia-browser-62d755317668) | • Early stage: reviewers note features are missing and it demands adjustment. [link](https://medium.com/%40vinitneo/is-chatgpt-atlas-worth-using-full-review-vs-perplexity-comet-and-dia-browser-62d755317668) • Requires a higher level of trust in process and results (“behavioural contract”). [link](https://medium.com/%40cognidownunder/perplexity-comet-vs-chatgpt-atlas-073a85ed9b54) | This post analyzes the technical and UX differences among Atlas, Google’s AI Overviews, and Perplexity, and what these shifts mean for SEO and content strategy. We’ll explore how user behavior is changing, the implications for visibility and conversion, special considerations for local SEO, and strategic takeaways for marketing agencies to keep their clients visible in this AI-augmented landscape. ## **ChatGPT Atlas vs Google AI Overviews vs Perplexity Comet** Each of these AI-driven search experiences takes a unique approach in how information is retrieved and presented to users. The table below summarizes key differences in focus and functionality: | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Aspect** | **ChatGPT Atlas (OpenAI)** | **Google AI Overviews (SGE)** | **Perplexity (Comet)** | | **Product Type** | Full web browser with built-in AI assistant | Search engine feature (integrated into Google Search) | Dedicated AI “answer engine” (web/app interface) | | **Interface & UX** | Chat-style Q&A in browser; AI can act on pages (agent mode) | AI-generated summary at top of Google’s results page | Q&A interface with immediate answer + source citations | | **Data Sources** | GPT-4 model + optional live web search (uses Google results) ; browsing context memory | Google index + generative model (“Gemini”); up-to-date web crawl | Live web search + LLM retrieval; always pulls current info | | **Citations & Links** | Minimal by default (footnotes in AI answer); separate “Search” tab shows 10 link results | Sources are cited in summary (links in overview cards); organic results below summary | Every answer is tied to sources with transparent citations (user sees which URLs inform each fact) | | **Unique Features** | Agentic tasks (e.g. fill forms, shop) in browser; remembers past pages (optional); “Ask ChatGPT” sidebar for any page | Multi-s...