OpenAI has announced the launch of SearchGPT, an AI-powered search engine designed to provide real-time, organised information from across the internet.
This new tool aims to challenge Google's dominance in the search market and offers a fresh approach to online information retrieval.
Key Takeaways
- Launch: SearchGPT is currently a prototype available to 10,000 test users.
- Functionality: Utilises GPT-4 models to summarise and organise search results.
- Competition: Aims to compete with Google and AI startup Perplexity.
- Publisher Collaboration: Developed in collaboration with news partners to ensure proper attribution and citation.
- Future Integration: Plans to integrate search features directly into ChatGPT.
A New Era in Search Technology
OpenAI's SearchGPT begins with a large textbox asking users, "What are you looking for?" Unlike traditional search engines that return a list of links, SearchGPT summarises its findings and presents short descriptions followed by attribution links. Users can ask follow-up questions or explore other relevant links via a sidebar.
Prototype Phase and Limited Access
Currently, SearchGPT is in its prototype phase and is accessible to only 10,000 test users. The service is powered by the GPT-4 family of models and aims to provide real-time, up-to-date responses. OpenAI is working with third-party partners and using direct content feeds to build its search results.
Competing with Giants
The launch of SearchGPT marks a significant step in OpenAI's ongoing rivalry with Google, the current leader in search technology. Google has been quick to integrate AI features into its search engine, fearing competition from new entrants like OpenAI and Perplexity. Perplexity, another AI search startup, has faced criticism for its AI summaries feature, which some publishers claim rips off their work.
Collaboration with Publishers
OpenAI has taken a different approach by developing SearchGPT in collaboration with various news partners, including The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, and Vox Media. This collaboration aims to ensure that responses have clear, in-line, named attribution and links, helping users connect with publishers.
Future Prospects
Releasing SearchGPT as a prototype allows OpenAI to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments. The company plans to integrate the search features directly into ChatGPT in the future. However, the challenge remains to provide accurate and reliable information, a hurdle that even Google has struggled with.
Market Impact
The announcement of SearchGPT has already made waves in the market. Google's stock saw a slight dip following the news, highlighting the high stakes in the search wars. Despite Google's current dominance with over 90% market share, the entry of new players like OpenAI could slowly change the landscape.
Conclusion
OpenAI's SearchGPT is a promising new entrant in the search engine market, offering a fresh approach to online information retrieval. While it remains to be seen how it will perform against established players like Google, the collaboration with publishers and the focus on real-time, organised information make it a noteworthy development.
Sources
- OpenAI announces SearchGPT, its AI-powered search engine - The Verge, The Verge.
- OpenAI’s new SearchGPT takes aim at Google, Perplexity in the battle for AI search dominance. But will it win the war? | Fortune, Fortune.
- OpenAI to launch AI-powered search engine, challenging Google’s dominance | Mint, mint.
- ChatGPT maker OpenAI to unveil Google search competitor on Monday: sources, New York Post.
- OpenAI Developing Web Search Product: A Potential Challenge to Google - GeeksforGeeks, GeeksforGeeks.
