OpenAI has announced a new search feature for its ChatGPT product, aiming to challenge Google's dominance in the search engine market.
The feature, currently available to a limited number of users in the US, incorporates real-time information to provide up-to-date responses and links.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI is trialling a new search feature for ChatGPT.
- The feature incorporates real-time information.
- It is currently available to a limited number of users in the US.
- The feature aims to challenge Google's dominance in the search engine market.
- OpenAI is working with publishers to manage how they appear in SearchGPT.
OpenAI's Ambitious Move
OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, is working on adding new capabilities to its artificial intelligence (AI) bot, ChatGPT. The company is trialling a search feature that integrates real-time information, allowing the bot to respond to user queries with the most current data and relevant links. This feature is expected to be incorporated into the ChatGPT bot, which has been a significant player in the AI landscape since its launch in 2022.
Features and Availability
The new search tool is currently available to a limited number of users in the United States. OpenAI has introduced various tools over the years, including those for coding, video creation, data analysis, and image generation. The new search feature will allow users to ask follow-up questions to their original queries, enhancing the conversational capabilities of the AI.
The Future of Search
Analysts have long argued that AI chatbots represent the future of search. Google's parent company, Alphabet, saw its shares drop nearly 3% following OpenAI's announcement. Despite the competition, Google remains the dominant player in the search market, holding over 90% of the global market share. Other AI companies are also developing search products, but none have yet matched Google's reach.
Environmental and Industry Concerns
The expansion of AI has raised environmental concerns due to the significant energy consumption of these systems. Additionally, the shift from traditional search engine results to conversational paragraphs has alarmed news companies, many of which rely on search traffic for revenue. OpenAI is working with publishers, including the Atlantic and News Corp, to address these concerns.
Commitment to Publishers
OpenAI has stated its commitment to a thriving ecosystem of publishers and creators. The company is launching a way for publishers to manage how they appear in SearchGPT, giving them more control over their content. Despite facing lawsuits for allegedly "stealing" content to train its systems, OpenAI has announced partnerships with several media outlets, including the Associated Press. Media companies can still be featured in SearchGPT results even if they choose not to supply their material for training the model.
Sources
- ChatGPT announces search feature in Google challenge , BBC.
- ChatGPT reveals search feature in Google challenge, Yahoo News Singapore.
- ChatGPT reveals search feature in Google challenge, AOL.com.
