OpenAI has unveiled a new search feature within its popular ChatGPT chatbot, positioning the AI startup to compete more directly with search giants like Google, Microsoft's Bing, and Perplexity.
The feature, known as SearchGPT, offers real-time access to sports scores, stock quotes, news, weather, and more, leveraging partnerships with news and data providers.
Key Features of ChatGPT Search
Real-Time Information Access
ChatGPT search provides up-to-the-minute information powered by real-time web search, allowing users to access current events, sports scores, and stock market updates effortlessly.
Natural and Intuitive Interaction
Users can engage with the search feature in a conversational manner, asking follow-up questions and receiving detailed responses. This interactive approach is powered by a fine-tuned version of OpenAI's GPT-4o model.
Source Transparency and Collaboration
OpenAI has collaborated with major news partners, including The Associated Press and Reuters, to ensure users receive reliable information. Responses now include links to sources, which can be accessed via a "Sources" button.
Implications for the Search Market
The introduction of ChatGPT search could have significant implications for the search market, particularly for Google.
Since ChatGPT's launch in November 2022, there have been concerns about OpenAI potentially capturing market share from Google by offering new ways to search for information online. Following the announcement, Alphabet's shares saw a slight decline.
Editor's Comments
OpenAI's move into the search domain reflects its ambition to expand beyond traditional AI applications and challenge established players like Google and Bing.
By offering a more conversational and intuitive search experience, OpenAI is setting a new standard for how users interact with search engines. As the feature rolls out to more users, it will be interesting to see how it reshapes the landscape of online search.