OpenAI launched their new ChatGPT search engine on Thursday, positioning itself as a challenger to Google and a competitor to Microsoft’s Bing search engine. Integrated into the existing ChatGPT interface, the search engine is available to paid users and will be rolled out to free users in the future. This feature makes the AI chatbot more useful for finding recent news and information that wouldn’t have been included in its core AI model in the past. The search results are similar to those from AI startup Perplexity, with in-line citations linking to sources on the web, although they may not be 100% accurate.
The search engine in ChatGPT allows users to conduct web searches by selecting a search icon in the dialogue box. While the AI’s responses may be mostly correct, there can be instances where it is not entirely accurate. For example, when asked about Microsoft’s recent revelations about OpenAI, ChatGPT got most of the answer correct, but the actual number disclosed was slightly off. This minor discrepancy highlights the fallibility of AI, which may have implications for the need to visit websites for information, potentially impacting media sites and other web publishers.
In an effort to provide up-to-date information, OpenAI has partnered with news and data providers to enhance the search engine with new visual designs for categories like weather, stocks, sports, news, and maps. The search engine also includes information from Microsoft’s 10K filing, listing OpenAI as both a competitor and a partner. Despite this partnership, OpenAI’s search engine poses a threat to Google, which heavily relies on search and advertising as a primary source of revenue. This new release from OpenAI further solidifies the company as a direct competitor in the search engine market.
The chatGPT search feature allows users to ask questions and receive responses based on web searches. The AI pulls information from news articles and data providers to provide users with accurate and up-to-date information. While the search results may not always be perfectly accurate, they offer a convenient way for users to access a wide range of information without having to visit multiple websites. This feature enhances the utility of ChatGPT and positions OpenAI as a key player in the AI-driven search engine space.
Overall, OpenAI’s launch of the ChatGPT search engine represents a significant step in the company’s efforts to challenge Google and Microsoft in the search engine market. By integrating web search capabilities into its existing chatbot interface, OpenAI is providing users with a more versatile tool for accessing information. While there may be some accuracy issues with the search results, the overall functionality and utility of the feature make it a valuable addition to the ChatGPT platform. With plans to expand access to free users in the future, this new search engine has the potential to further disrupt the search engine industry and change how users interact with information online.
